Ivy's February Newsletter

Build a Foundation of Self-Love 💖

“I will not apologize for choosing myself this time.
Self-love is the chapter I’ve always wanted to write.”

– Author unknown

This month marks the 1-year anniversary of starting this newsletter! 😍 Thank you to everyone who has been enjoying them since the beginning, and to those who have joined along the way! 🥰 I am still figuring out what kind of content I like to include each month, so you will probably continue to see different kinds of topics each month. Something new I am trying this month is a guided meditation, voiced by yours truly! I put a lot of energy into the recording, and I am very proud of it 🥰 If they are received well, I may end up doing multiple recordings a month.

February isn’t just about hearts💕, chocolates🍫, and fancy dinners🥩🍷. While society makes this month about love for others, how often do we refill our own cup of self-love?

Last month, we spoke about self-compassion—cutting yourself slack when life doesn’t go as planned. Now, let’s take that a step further. Before you roll your eyes and think, “That sounds fluffy,” hear me out. Self-love isn’t bubble baths and mirror affirmations; though, those are also great! It’s about building respect for yourself—your strengths, your boundaries, and even your flaws.

The Importance of Self-Love: Why It’s Not Just a Buzzword

It isn’t just a feel-good concept—self-love is your foundation. If you want to raise your potential at work, have healthier relationships, or just feel more grounded, it starts here.

When you prioritize self-love:

You build resilience. Life’s punches feel less heavy because you’ve got your own back.
You set better boundaries. You learn to stop agreeing to things that leave you feeling drained. Prioritize your time and energy for the things and people that truly matter to you.
You’re healthier—mentally and physically. Study shows that it reduces stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression. It provides a psychological buffer that helps us navigate life’s ups and downs more effectively.

Self-love doesn’t just happen. It’s a skill one you can develop with intention.

Cultivating Self-Love: Simple, Actionable Steps

1. Know Yourself

Take some time to figure out what drives you. What makes you happy? What makes you feel drained? The better you know yourself, the easier it is to make choices that align with your values.
Spend 10 minutes journaling this week about who you are; your personality traits, what you like about yourself, what you would like to see different within yourself, what activities you enjoy, the type of people you like to be around, etc. Keep it raw and real. No filters.

2. Ditch the Negative Self-Talk

Are you familiar with the inner voice that tells you that you aren’t enough? That voice is lying. Start calling it out when it happens. Replace negative self-talk with something true.
Instead of telling yourself, “I’m terrible at this.” Say, ‘I’m making progress, and that’s what matters.”
It’s not faking positivity; it’s being fair and compassionate to yourself.

3. Say No Without Guilt

This might be the toughest for some of us, but self-love often means protecting your time and energy. Overcommitting is a fast track to burnout.
The next time you get invited to something you really don’t want to do, politely decline. No excuses are needed. “Thank you for the invitation, but I am not able to attend.”

4. Do Something Just for You (No Apologies)

We are often taught that taking time for yourself is selfish. It doesn’t make sense in the life we are living. Whether it’s hitting the gym, starting a hobby, or just watching a show you love, make space for your own happiness. Schedule one thing this week that’s purely for you.

This is brain chemistry. The more you treat yourself like someone worth caring about, the better your life becomes.

One Small Habit to Start

This month, focus on one small act of self-love every day. Here are a few ideas:

Write down one thing you like about yourself every morning.
Take 5 minutes before bed to reflect on what went well that day.
Commit to a workout—not for the calories, but for the endorphins.

Small wins add up for a long way. By the end of the month, you might just see yourself in a whole new light.

You’re Worth It

This self-love can feel awkward or even selfish at first. But here’s the truth: loving yourself isn’t about ego; it’s about giving yourself the tools to show up better—for your work, your relationships, and your goals.

This February, make yourself more of a priority. The world can wait while you build something unshakable—a rock-solid foundation of self-respect. Whether it’s through reframing your thoughts, setting boundaries, or simply taking a moment to appreciate who you are.

Make this month about showing up for the most important person in your life: “YOU!”

Ivy’s February Schedule

Stamford, CT
Thursday, February 13th
Thursday, February 27th

Peace & Love,
Ivy Rosalia

Self- Love Meditation

I’ve recorded a self-love meditation* for you to practice this month! Find a comfortable place free from distraction. Feel free to pause and go back as you desire. It will take you about 5-10 minutes to complete.
*Not my original content
Time Stamps:
0.0s – Setting up, first breaths, movement
55s – Visualizations and awareness
2m20s – Affirmations
4m10s – Closing remarks