We are in the last week before Valentine’s Day. This is probably a good time to look at how we are treating ourselves. We have to love ourselves before we can love anyone else, or before they can love us in any significant manner. Life gets crazy for all of us – maintaining home and family, maintaining career, maintaining our spirituality – and trying to keep a good balance so that we have a modicum of time for ourselves.

One very important thing that we want to do is make the effort to create and maintain a smooth, calm atmosphere around us. How do we do this? By staying grounded in the present. We can only take action in the present – the past has already happened, the future is yet to be determined. Worrying about the future is not going to make things better. Paying attention to the present – to the people and issues around us – is. Find the joy that is there in the present moment, and cherish it.

Find your passion – find what brings you joy. Bring that into your life on a daily basis, in some manner. Do not be afraid to use your skills and abilities – do not be afraid to be you!

Pay attention to your body. When I was younger, stress gave me headaches. Now stress goes straight to my stomach. Where are you feeling stress? What muscles are tightening up? What area of your body does not “feel right”? You don’t have to know the cause of the energy being stuck – you just have to recognize that it is, and that because it is, you are having physical symptoms.

There is an easy way to get the energy moving in your body. Stand straight, arms at your sides. Take a deep breath, and then exhale. Raise your arms over your head, while at the same time taking a deep breath. Exhale as you lower your arms to your side. Repeat several times, until you start to feel more relaxed.

Stay in the present, find your joy, keep your body energy flowing – and you will fnd your life flowing!