How to Love Yourself in 2011

Hello, visitors and subscribers!

I'm Delaney Diamond. I write contemporary African-American and interracial romance. My first book, titled The Arrangement, was released November 12, 2010 by Amira Press. Join me every first Wednesday of the month to discuss any number of topics, including my interests: cooking, frugal living, traveling, holistic health, and of course, writing.

A full month of 2011 has already slipped by, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still talk about resolving to make changes in our lives.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, love is in the air. Everywhere we go there are red balloons, signs advertising special deals on flowers, and chocolates lining store shelves. Whether or not you’re in a relationship, you can still experience love. How about showing a little love to yourself? Aren’t you worth it? Here’s how you can show yourself some love in 2011.

Forgive yourself. Let it go! Whatever mistakes you made last year or in the past in general, leave them in the past. Experience has taught me this is easier said than done. But everyone makes mistakes, and you can’t move forward in an emotionally healthy way if you don’t forgive yourself.

Eat right. As much as possible, eliminate convenience foods from your diet. Not only will you supply more nutrients to your body, you’ll save money, and you’ll probably lose weight, too. Preparing meals from scratch takes a little extra time than cutting open a package and dumping the contents in a pot, but remember, you’re worth it.

Exercise. Thirty minutes, three to five days per week can make a difference in how you feel and is good for your heart. Take a walk on the treadmill. Go roller skating, take yoga, or go for a swim. Just get moving! Always consult a physician before you begin any exercise program.

Indulge in your favorite pastime. No more excuses about I don’t have time for this or I don’t have time for that. Do a crossword puzzle, go dancing, take a road trip, or read a book. If you must, add it to your calendar and don’t miss that appointment.

So tell me, how do you plan to love yourself in 2011?

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Delaney Diamond writes sensual and sweet romance novels. Coming in February: a short, sensual read for Valentine's Day titled Subordinate Position from XOXO Publishing.

The Arrangement is her debut release, available now from Amira Press. Read Chapter One on the Books page at www.delaneydiamond.com. Subscribe to her blog or join her and the other romance lovers on Facebook.

Blurb for The Arrangement:

Brazilian millionaire, Leonardo da Silva, is still seething from when his African-American wife, Alexa, walked out on him four months ago. Now she’s in his office asking for a business loan to help her brother. Instead of a loan, he’s willing to give her the money, but only if she resumes her role as his wife for the next two months. She reluctantly agrees, and she soon finds herself wishing their arrangement was permanent. But when she finds out about Leonardo’s betrayal, there may be no way for them to mend their broken marriage.