Love is the most powerful force in the Universe.
- Joseph Droual, Founder of Internal Energy Plus

  What does the above statement mean to you?
  What images come to mind - what does it make you think of?
  February celebrates many things here in America - it is Black History Month, American Heart Month and boasts such annual events as the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.
   Most famously, however, is the date of February 14th - Valentine's Day.
   Although now viewed as mainly a "Hallmark Holiday" by many and focused on the idea of romantic love, this holiday can also be a time to reflect on what love means to you.
    There are many kinds of love - not just romantic. What about the love you have for your children and family? Do you have love for your work? And if you've been reading my column, you know the next question I'm going to ask is: How do you LOVE YOURSELF?

What does loving yourself mean?

  Let's take a moment and simply think about what that statement means. Loving yourself can be many things. For example, when you take care of yourself and work to make yourself happy I believe you are loving yourself. So when was the last time you did something nice for yourself?
    A simple way to focus inward and take a moment for yourself each day is with a basic meditation. It only takes a couple minutes, so you can no longer use the excuse that you don't have time or think you need someone else to do it for you.
    Find a quiet space that you enjoy - maybe your bedroom, your car after you park, a serene place outdoors - even putting on a pair of headphones with some music you like can quickly transform a chaotic environment into a secluded space for a few moments. Once there, simply close your eyes and take a few deep breaths - nice and slow.
    Physically, this oxygenates your body. Mentally, it can clear your mind and help you to re-focus. Emotionally it can give you a break from stress and allow you a moment with yourself.
   I believe that love starts from within. Loving yourself is the first step to loving someone else and allowing them to love you back. By connecting to yourself each day and taking even a small step to taking better care of yourself you are experiencing greater love. And with love everything is possible and that much sweeter, too.
   Try it - you may be pleasantly surprised. As always, I look forward to hearing your success stories.

Best wishes,
Barb Marynowski

Barbara H. Marynowski is a Senior Consultant for Internal Energy Plus and a fully certified black belt instructor through Kang Nei Chin International. She is recognized as an expert in stress management, self-care and personal empowerment. Her passion is helping women live healthier, happier lives free from stress, shame, guilt or fear and she believes everyone has the right to pursue and live a happy, healthy, safe and prosperous life. Appointments and private sessions are available by contacting her directly at RoyalDragonIEP@aol.com or 866-PLUS-4-YOU x708. Join her online daily on the Internal Energy Plus Yahoo! Group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/INTERNAL_ENERGY_PLUS/

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Introduction
Ugly is an Attitude
New Year, New List, New YOU!
Spring Cleaning
Get Focused
Stop Wishing, Start Getting
The Words You Say
The Gift You Give Yourself
Love Yourself
Your Top Qualities
Independence
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