With Valentine's Day approaching there are many messages sent out to us both implicitly and explicitly to share the love and show others that you care. While this is DEFINITELY something that we feel is very important to do, we also want to send out a message of loving yourself.

One of our most talked about topics in GirlTalk Therapy groups is about self-compassion. We've written many GirlTips on the subject of self compassion and for a brief look about it you can re-read

this post

. 

For those of you who struggle with negative self talk and criticism, it might be time to do a little self evaluation. Kristin Neff, the pioneer of this "movement," has a

brief quiz

that can give you some indication of just how self-compassionate you are being. Take a moment this week to try it out.

If it seems like you could use an extra dose of love for yourself, then go a step further and try out some of the

suggested exercises

on her website www.self-compassion.org.

When we take the time to be kind to ourselves then there is more for us to give to others. Happy Valentine's Day!