getting cozier with jacey: a fresh take on self love

hiii homebuddies!! 🌸

spring has officially sprung in NYC, how are you all feeling with this seasonal transition? 🌱

🌷 a fresh take on loving yourself

I've been thinking a lot about self-love lately—what does it even mean? We spend so much time learning how to love others better, but what if we learned how to love OURSELVES better?

I've come a long way on improving my mental health, but I still sometimes struggle with that harsh inner voice that tells me I'm not good enough. Something that's been really helping me lately is realizing that what builds confidence is self-trust, and what builds self-trust is consistency. For so long, I was either super rigid with myself or had absolutely no plan at all, and neither worked for me.

For the start of spring, I'm starting a new little challenge - 30 days of building self trust through using ideas I came up with each of the love languages. Whether you're a words of affirmation girlie, quality time, physical touch, receiving gifts, or acts of service—I’ve got something for you! This isn't a 75 Hard or crazy challenge; every day I'm just doing one simple thing with the goal of showing myself that I am deserving of the love I give to others.

If you've been following along, you might have seen my first post sharing this concept! I'll be doing a weekly recap of the different ways I'm showing myself love through each love language. Here's a tiny peek at what I've been trying so far:

• Quality Time: I took myself on a little picnic to the park with my favorite snacks and a new book, putting my phone on DND

• Acts of Service: I re-organzed my finances using this app called Copilot - and it felt so good to actually have a handle on how I’ve been spending my money.

• Words of Affirmation: I've been recording little voice memos to myself as if I was talking to a best friend, and listening back when I need a boost.

• Physical Touch: I got a massage on friday night that felt so good!!

• Receiving Gifts: I bought myself a bouqet of tulips from trader joes, and they've been brightening up my whole apartment!

❣️ what I'm loving lately….

📚 reading: I just started "Body Grief" and it's feeling so validating to read. It dives into all those complicated emotions we have when our bodies change or when we feel like they're not cooperating with us. Jayne’s words are putting words to feelings I've had but couldn't quite express.

I'm also lovingggg "Make Believe" by Victoria Hutchins (you might know her as @thedailyvictorian). I’ve been listening to her spoken poetry on IG for years so having a physical copy of her book in my hands is magic.

🎵 listening: I saw Ben Böhmer in concert this month and it was genuinely one of the most beautiful shows I've ever experienced! I've been playing his "Bloom" album on repeat ever since— does anyone else do this after they see an artist live?

I also LOVED this Wild Geese podcast episode with Anna Howard. I’m binging all of her episodes lately - I love the way she explores different topics and articulates her ideas.

🎮 playing: I'll be honest, I haven't played many video games this month! Between studying for my coaching license exam and soaking up the start of spring, my Switch has been getting a little break. But I'm excited to get back to some gaming soon—let me know if you have any recommendations of games you’re loving!

🎨 creating: Ben and I had the sweetest date night making our junk journal spread from our Buenos Aires trip! It was such a fun way to relive our memories and use all the little treasures I collected—from café receipts to plane tickets. We had such a fun time recapping all of our favorite moments!!

🤳 coming soon: I'm so excited to share more of my 5 love languages video series! I'll be posting weekly updates about the different activities I'm trying, and I'd love for you to join me. Even just picking one small act of self-love each week can make such a difference in how we show up for ourselves.

💓 gentle reminder

As we move into a new season, remember that it's completely natural to shift your routines and habits. Just as nature transforms around us, our needs and energies change too. There's no rule that says what worked for you last season has to be what works for you now. The most loving thing you can do is listen to what your mind and body are asking for in this moment, and respond with gentleness rather than judgment. Your routines should support you, not the other way around.

Thank you as always for being here in our cozy little corner of the internet.

stay cozy & be gentle on yourself!!!!

jacey 🤍

P.S. I'd love to know—which love language resonates with you most for self-care? Reply and let me know, or share one tiny way you're showing yourself love this spring! Hearing from you always brightens my day.