February, a month of SELF-celebration
Depending on who you ask, February couldn't come fast enough, and for someone like me, it arrived quickly. I'm sitting here wondering how many of you accomplished your goals. Dry January? Is fitness still a thing? Are you still cutting carbs? Please, tell me, I'm dying to know.
Now that February is here, the red roses, the chocolates, and the reservations are all waiting for you to include them in your Valentine's Day plans. February can also be a quiet month for some; a little more time for reflection and even more time to keep pursuing those goals you set just before 2025 blasted us with ambition and encouragement, hoping we stay disciplined once it passes the baton to its romance enticing friend February.
For me, February is indeed all about love—not necessarily the love within my marriage. If you ask my husband what he has planned for Valentine's Day, he'll ask, "What's that?! " Haha! Knowing he just spoiled me rotten on January 21st in celebration of our fourth anniversary. Full transparency: my husband and I don't celebrate Valentine's Day, and we never have. I'm talking about self-love, the unwavering love we should all carry within ourselves so that we are overpouring of it (love) into our communities.
As a health coach, one of my key goals in guiding clients is helping them see the value in taking care of themselves, building self-awareness, and becoming self-known. As a man and woman, especially as a black man and woman, I can't express the importance of knowing your needs. If we want to make a difference (which I hope you all do), we must learn to identify our needs and understand our triggers. Once we accomplish that, we communicate more effectively, find more solutions, have fewer unwarranted opinions, and live happier lives all together.
Self-love and self-care have become trendy over the last five years, but the truth is that self-care is and should always be part of our lifestyle. Self-love/care IS self-awareness of what depletes you and what fills your cup. Self-care is also personal and bio-individual, so what works for me may not work for you, and what works for you may not work for me. I ask every client to address self-care by asking themselves one question throughout the day: What choice can I make, and what action can I take to create the greatest value?
Sit with that. Reflect on the love and care you provide yourself and the value it accumulates in you and for those around you.
So, if you really want to know, my February focus is all about Galentines—the gals in my life who are my Balcony People. I get to spend time with my mom this month, and for Valentine's Day, I started a new tradition last year with my firstborn: we get dressed up and take ourselves out to dinner. This year will be extra special because I will include both girls now that my second is older. Aside from being a vessel of unconditional love for my little galz, I also prioritize teaching them (and being an example) daily what it means to love themselves and how valuable it is to show love to the other women they are connected to. In addition to that, and to keep it real, my girls will NOT be growing up waiting for ANYONE to gift them some toxic chocolates or temporary feelings (period). They will see Valentine's Day as a SELF-celebration of the overflowing love they gift THEMSELVES—every day, every month, every year.
I am now taking new clients, so if you need support and want to build a healthier relationship with yourself, let's schedule a consultation. For me, it all starts with nutrition. Every bite is either building you up or pulling you down. Better yet, our emotions dictate our choices around food, and to go a step further, our food dictates our emotions. Don't let little Ms. February fool you into settling for the toxic chocolates and spending time with someone you know you have no future with. You deserve more.
That said, I hope I opened up some hearts and created a shift within you. That's why I'm here and always here for you—in the balcony of your mind, cheering you on.
Happy February, my loves,
Alex Ayodele
A Balcony Person Building a Health Legacy
