Ah, Valentines Day. The day of love. Equally loved and hated by the masses (and our clients). But Valentines Day doesn't just have to be for lovers. It can be for loving ourselves! One of the songs I like to use to encourage self-love is This is Me From "The Greatest Showman". See below:
This song offers the perfect opportunity to discuss self-acceptance and the different ways we can practice turning our love inward. I've been using lyric analysis and songwriting to achieve this. Here's what I've been doing, step-by-step:
Hand out lyrics and colored pencils/pens/fine tip markers to clients. Ask them to choose two colors.
Introduce song. Ask clients to use one color to underline/circle what stands out to them and to use another to color to underline/circle any phrases or words that repeat.
Listen to recorded song
Ask clients to share what stood out and what they noticed repeated. Discuss, validate, point out connections and similarities with peers.
Dive into discussion questions: 1. Was there ever a time when you questioned your self worth? 2. What did that feel like? 3. What do you love about yourself? Why is self-love important? 4. What are some ways we can combat the lies that tell us we're not good enough and instead practice self-love?
Write down self-love strategies the group came up with in previous question. If possible, write it on a white board or somewhere the whole group can see.
Hand out songwriting fill-in the blank sheet (see below for free printable)
Re-write chorus to include self-love strategies and positive self-affirmations. (see below for examples PDF)
Sing chorus with accompaniment and new lyrics
Whether it's Valentines Day or just any old day, practicing self-love and acceptance is so important. I hope you found this helpful!
Until next time,
Hannah
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