The 5 Self-Love Languages: Gifts

Most everyone is familiar with the five love languages explained in the book by Gary Chapman. As I've been working with a therapist to heal from trauma, it occurred to me that self-care is self-love. So, I wanted to share some ideas on how to show self-love based on your love language. Because I want to keep things short and sweet (like a pineapple), I'll share a different post for each language. Today's self-love language that I want to write about is "Gifts."

With Christmas coming up next week, gifts are probably on your mind. I think "gifts" are one of the more accessible love languages. So today, I want to focus on gifts you can give yourself that will help you through infertility or pregnancy loss.

Figurines and Knick-Nacks

I bought this willow tree angel as a gift for myself as part of my healing journey after my ectopic pregnancy. I bought it in the month when my baby was due. I wanted to visually remember "Baby Jellybean," whom I recently named Acacia Auryn. I wanted something to visualize my baby since I didn't even get an ultrasound picture. Following my miscarriage, I bought a second willow tree angel for the same reason, even though I have several ultrasound pictures of "Baby Strawberry."

I also found a willow tree figurine holding a pineapple that I bought to mark part of my life's journey with infertility.

Candles

Give yourself a candle to light on dates such as the anniversary of the loss or what would have been their due date to remember their baby. Buy something special, maybe a pink, blue, or teal candle. Do you want an LED so it can be lit the entire day? Or do you want a scented candle from Bath and Body Works because you like how it smells?

Symbolic Clothing or Accessories -

• Pineapples - Pineapples are the symbol of infertility. Get a pineapple t-shirt, necklace, or handbag. We carry infertility with us wherever we go, so why not wear the emblem?

• Rainbows or Butterflies - Rainbows or butterflies are seen as a symbol of pregnancy loss. You can get pretty creative here. You can find t-shirts, scarves, handbags, socks, etc., with rainbows or butterflies.

Journal - A journal can be a thoughtful gift to yourself. Some people like to keep infertility journals, gratitude journals, mindfulness journals, or just a simple diary. In a journal, you can write the things in your heart, mind, and soul as you go through these harrowing experiences.

Art

A friend recently shared an art print by Paige Payne with me that moved me deeply. I started looking at more art by Paige Payne Creations when I found that she has an entire collection for Pregnancy and Infant Loss. This link is not sponsored; I am simply sharing it to show an example of art that can be a gift to yourself.

Hobby Supplies

While going through the stress of infertility or pregnancy loss, we need outlets. Whatever your hobby is, buy something for yourself to spend time doing what you enjoy. Yarn, Paper, Paint, Books??

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I hope today's post gave you some ideas for gifts you can give yourself as you face this trial. Last week, I shared about Acts of Service, and I'll be taking a break from posting until next year. In my next post, I'll share the self-love language of Physical Touch.