Valentines Day is upon us which means that everywhere you look there are sappy images of lovey-dovey couples doing lovey-dovey things together.

While I’m a big fan of love, I don’t necessarily think that you have to be coupled up in order to live a rich and FabYOUlous life. In fact, I think that there is genuine value in learning to love your own company. I’ve written an entire post on the Joys of Masturdating that details the benefits of enjoying solo activities, but if you’re a little stumped for ideas, here is a fantastic list to get you started. Best of all–not only are these activities fun, they can also help to boost self-confidence and help you connect with your soul’s desires. Additionally, learning to value your own company can enhance your other relationships because having a solid, foundational relationship with oneself is the critical bedrock upon which all other relationships are built.

“ Having a solid, foundational relationship w/oneself is the bedrock upon which all other relationships are built. —MELISSA VENABLE

Solo Activities for Connecting with Your Soul’s Desires

• Grab your favorite book and head to a coffee shop for some uninterrupted reading.
• Take a cooking class to discover new types of cuisine.
• Visit a nearby town for a day. Explore new shops, eat at a new cafe etc.
• Learn to knit. Click here for a link to a fun slipper pattern (and a link to a simple how-to-knit tutorial for absolute beginners!)
• Binge watch a great Netflix series without feeling guilty for it.
• Volunteer your time at a local nonprofit. Might I suggest The American Red Cross?
• Start a garden. If outdoor space is limited, try creating your own indoor succulent garden. Click here for an easy tutorial.
• Learn something new by signing up for an online course through Udemy. There are literally thousands of courses to choose from–you’re sure to find something that appeals to you.
• Head to the make-up counter at your local mall and try a fresh, new look
• Head outdoors with a warm blanket and cup of hot cocoa for some nighttime star gazing.
• Create a new look in your home by rearranging the furniture and adding some fresh accent pieces.
• Learn a new language. There are plenty of online courses/apps that can help facilitate this.
• Visit your local library.
• Learn how to play an instrument.
• Do a jigsaw puzzle.
• Go on a solo travel expedition.
• Create a Vision Board. Click here for an explanation as to why and how.
• Explore a nearby hiking trail.
• Go to an afternoon showing of a movie you’ve been wanting to see. Be sure to buy yourself a large popcorn.
• Grab a handful of quarters and head to a local arcade.
• Take an art class. Don’t worry about being good.
• Learn how to design a website.
• Try paint-by-numbers.
• Try a fitness class that you wouldn’t normally attend.
• Try prepping all of your meals for a week.
• Treat yourself to a spa day.
• Hire a Life Coach to help you experience new levels of success and fulfillment. Click here for information on my coaching programs.
• Challenge yourself by taking a rock climbing class or signing up for an obstacle run like the Tough Mudder.
• Offer to babysit for an overwhelmed mom.
• Take $20 to a local thrift store and try to fashion a new outfit for yourself.
• Go for a bicycle ride around your neighborhood.
• Sign up for a weekend meditation retreat.
• Get a tattoo.
• Get up early to find a nice spot to watch the sun rise.
• Test drive your dream car.
• Attend a performance by your local symphony, ballet troupe or acting guild.
• Have some professional photos taken of yourself.
• Order in and enjoy a quiet night at home.
• Visit your local farmers market and create a healthy meal with your purchases.
• Make some new four-legged friends by volunteering your time at a local animal shelter.
• Indulge in a pampering bubble bath. Make it even more luxurious with scented candles and fragrant bath bombs.
• Visit a local museum.
• Start a DIY project.
• Give yourself a mini spa day with a do-it-yourself manicure, pedicure and facial.
• Expand your musical horizons by attending a musical performance (or purchasing a CD)  in a genre that you don’t usually listen to.

Start by picking five activities that sound fun to you and then begin to expand further outside of your comfort zone. Before long, you’ll discover that flying solo has real, tangible benefits that can’t be replicated when coupled up.