Valentine’s Day - what’s love got to do with it?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the rate of divorce increases in relation to the number of marriages. When it comes to a happy union, the third time clearly isn’t a charm.

While the rate of divorce in first marriages is 40%-50%, second marriage statistics show this increases to 67% for failed second marriages and a whopping 73% for third marriages, according to Psychology Today.

Through my own career and personal transitions, I found that I needed to have a relationship with myself first before finding meaningful love with someone else. In the process of self recognition, I rediscovered who and what I left on the table a long time ago. I had to resurrect myself back to complete what fulfills happiness for me.

What would February look like if you made a commitment to love yourself first? What do you need to rediscover all your capabilities and passions? Take yourself out for a date. Create alone time to revisit your own internal strengths and dreams. Whether you are in a relationship or not, this new outlook can be a cleanser to refresh the beauty of you and strengthen your relationship with others.

If this challenge seems impossible, you may want to reach out to a friend or a professional to partner with you to keep you accountable to this goal. Choose carefully who your partner is for your self discovery. If you choose a professional, a life coach can partner with you for your self discovery and self-growth. After all, Tina Turner did get it right. Loving yourself first has everything to do with it. Happy Valentine’s Day!

– Christina Dalton is the Principal of EYH Life Coach.