Keeping It Real… and Keeping It Loving (With a Little Attitude)

In my New Year “Keeping It Real” article, I declared that our theme for the year would be one simple word: keep. We’ve already covered keeping moving — because stagnation is cute for no one — and now that February has rolled in with all its hearts, flowers, and chocolate‑covered everything, it’s time to shift into keeping loving.

And yes, that includes loving other people. But let’s be honest: some of y’all are out here loving everyone but yourselves. Running on fumes. Giving from an empty cup. Treating yourself like the clearance rack while everyone else gets the boutique experience. Not this year.

So, ask yourself: What is your love language — to yourself? What would make you feel loved?

Maybe it’s giving yourself permission to take a break without apologizing to the universe. Maybe it’s finally buying that little something you’ve been eyeing but talked yourself out of because it wasn’t “practical.” (Spoiler: joy is practical.) Maybe it’s rest. Maybe it’s indulgence. Maybe it’s a moment of peace where no one is asking you for anything.

Whatever brings you back to yourself — keep loving yourself that way.

Loving your people is beautiful. Loving your job, your community, your church — all wonderful. But loving yourself? That’s not just okay. It’s non‑negotiable.

And once you start loving yourself, don’t stop there. What about loving your life?

Are you simply getting by, or are you actually loving the life you’re living? We all have struggles, and no one’s world is rainbows and butterflies every day. But overall — does your life spark anything in you? Joy? Curiosity? A little mischief?

If yes, keep loving it. If no, then it’s time to shake something up. Find the spark. Create the spark. Light the spark yourself if you have to.

The moral of the story is simple: Find what brings you joy — in your personal life, in your world — and love it hard, love it boldly. Love it intentionally. Love it like you mean it.

Because self‑love isn’t selfish. Self‑love is the foundation for everything else. 

So, keep loving.