Self-dating can be a delightful and inspiring experience. Decompressing, treating ourselves, and appreciating our own company all are ways of showing ourselves care. Although our lives have shifted since early 2020, and self-dating may not look the same as it did prior, we can still foster the same feelings now.
Whether self-dates were or weren't your thing in the pre-COVID world, we can all agree that what's been going on is wild. Tough. Downright exhausting. For some, it's been difficult to experience alone time, and for others, it's been difficult to spend intentional time alone. So, among the ways of the world, self-dating may seem like an impossible prospect. Hopefully, there’s still time for solitude and self-appreciation in the form of ‘dates.’
There are benefits to carving out some time for yourself, regardless of duration. It is not necessarily how long your self-date goes for, but what you do. The key to creating a good self-date lies in giving yourself compassion and validation. Wherever you are in the world, and whatever it is that you are facing, ask yourself - "what kind of love do I need right now?". When you have found the answer to that question, ask: "where should I go and what should I do to give myself that love in the best way possible?". Don't cut corners on the details, don't bypass the nuances; you are worthy of all the love and of all the time. And just like how you would give attention to another person on a couple-date, provide yourself with undivided attention.
For this moment, imagine joyfully rolling out into the sunshine, and feeling the wind breeze past while gently stepping foot upon the asphalt. Imagine feeling present with yourself, without a worry. Imagine all the love you can give yourself. Imagine that this feeling doesn't stay in your imagination only; imagine that you're actually feeling it. Make the time for yourself - to get to know yourself, to be with yourself, and to appreciate yourself. Take yourself on a date.
“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”
- Thich Nhat Hanh