Here’s a Valentine’s Day question for you. Have you ever been on a date with yourself?

Many years ago, I read The Artist’s Way by Julie Cameron. It guides you through a series of exercises and explorations to help you loosen up and discover your artistic self. I remember at the time (I was much younger), I thought it was a little too religious for me. And when I say religious, it was probably that she mentioned God a few times. Now looking back, I believe it was more about spirituality and creativity.

However, I do remember one of the exercises was taking yourself on an artist’s date once a week. It could be visiting an art gallery or museum, wandering around an art supply store, or seeing a foreign film, whatever tickles your fancy. The only condition was you had to do it alone. It was taking yourself on a date.

I thought about doing it, but never got around to it. Back then, it seemed a bit daunting and quite frankly uncomfortable to do something so intentional. I’ve gone to coffee shops on my own, mainly to work, my nose in my laptop the whole time. Or, I’ve had a quick lunch by myself at a food court or a cafeteria style eatery, but never at a fancy restaurant. I’ve even had dinner by myself, but on out-of-town business trips. That’s different. I’ve never done it on my own at home. It’s more fun and definitely more comfortable to go with a friend or significant other.

Now that I’m on my own, and soon to be an empty nester when my daughter heads off to school in the Fall, I feel like taking myself on a date is something I should do. And, not just popping in somewhere on my way to meet up with someone else, or on my way home. But, intentionally spending a day out and about enjoying my own company doing something that fills me up.

I do a lot of solo walks in the woods, well, actually I’m usually with my dog. That seems quite natural.

A walk in the woods with Oliver

I spend a lot of time by myself, and most of the time, I enjoy it or at the very least, I don’t mind it. Since Covid, I seriously think I could easily become a hermit. On the other hand, to take myself on a date to a public place like a restaurant would not be a natural thing for me to do. Let’s face it, the world revolves around couples. I think it would be a little scary, a lot uncomfortable, but oh so liberating, all at the same time.

I’m putting it on my To Do List for this year. I’ll wait for warmer weather, protest free streets, and the settling down of omicron. But, I’m confident it will happen this summer. I was about to say, “Anyone care to join me?” lol. Seriously though, shouldn’t we be our own best friend? After all, who do we spend the most time with? So, a best friend should treat herself to some quality time together.

Tell me in the comments if you’ve ever been on a date with yourself. What did you do and where did you go?

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Until next time,

~ Colleen

I’m a recovering Chartered Accountant and Breast Cancer Champion turned Fashion Designer. My COKANNA Canadian-made bamboo clothing is all about comfort and style. Giving back to the community is important to me so I support Rethink Breast Cancer‘s metastatic breast cancer education, support, and advocacy work.