Fort Collins, CO February 2026

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Love Local

As February rolls around, I always find myself in a familiar tug-of-war. On one hand, I want to resist the pull of another commercialized holiday. On the other, I can’t help but appreciate the pause it creates - an intentional moment to celebrate love in all its forms.

Do we plan a Valentine’s date out, or settle in for a cozy night at home? A handwritten card or a simple, meaningful conversation? For me, it’s usually a blend of both. Life is busy, seasons change quickly, and love doesn’t always show up wrapped in a bow - but it’s always worth acknowledging. Each of us will find our own way to mark the occasion, shaped by our personalities, priorities, and stage of life. What connects us all is the opportunity to remind the people around us just how much they matter.

This month’s issue is dedicated to exactly that - celebrating love, connection, and the incredible people and businesses that make Fort Collins feel like home. Growing up here, I’ve watched this community evolve while still holding onto what makes it special. The familiar faces, the local spots that feel like second living rooms, the small businesses that know your name and your order. Those moments - both big and small - are what inspired me to take on Fort Collins City Lifestyle. This magazine is a love letter to the place that raised me and the people who continue to shape it.

As we move through the final stretch of winter and start to feel hints of spring around the corner, let’s take time to reconnect - with our families, our friends, and our community. Whether that connection happens around your kitchen table, down the street, or across town, February is a beautiful reminder to slow down and be present.

“Love local” isn’t just about supporting nearby businesses - it’s about appreciating what’s close in every sense of the word. Grab a cup of coffee at Lima Coffee Roaster and catch up with a friend. Pick up a bottle of wine from Tamburi Winery, add some cheese from The Welsh Rabbit and, enjoy a low-key night in. These are the moments that make up a meaningful life here.

At the heart of everything we do is the belief that community matters. Month after month, the stories shared within these pages remind us that when we support one another, we all thrive.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of the life you’re building. Our hope is that this issue helps you love where you live - and the people in it - just a little more.

Here’s to a February filled with love - both local and beyond.

AMANDA BROOKSMITH, PUBLISHER

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CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/FORTCOLLINS

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Amanda Brooksmith

amanda.brooksmith@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Jennifer Mosley

jennifer.mosley@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY

Christopher’s Heating and Cooling warmly welcomes Tammie

Christopher’s Heating and Cooling warmly welcomes Tammie to their family, celebrating her arrival with genuine excitement and appreciation. The team recognizes her dedication, professionalism, and positive spirit as valuable qualities that will strengthen their commitment to exceptional service. Tammie’s presence brings fresh energy and enthusiasm, inspiring collaboration and growth. As she joins this trusted company, everyone looks forward to building lasting success together, confident that her contributions will enhance both customer satisfaction and team unity.

Photography by Martina Chaussee

Longevity

It’s not just about adding years to your life, it’s about adding life to your years.

Our Longevity Program is rooted in advanced diagnostics and personalized care, aiming to help you look, feel, and function at your highest potential.

We start with in-depth lab testing to uncover your body's unique needs, then create a personalized plan using peptides, hormone optimization, and targeted supplements.

Because aging well is an art we specialize in.

Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an intro.

BUILT ON PURPOSE

GUIDED BY HEART

The path that led Heather Watters to create ME! Wellness—a practice grounded in individualized, relationship-based care—began long before she ever opened her doors. Her journey started in exam rooms, hospital hallways, and late-night shifts, where she spent 24 years working as a NICU nurse and later as a Family Nurse Practitioner. For decades, Heather cared for individuals and families through every season of life, cherishing the continuity, the relationships, and the privilege of being invited into her patients’ most vulnerable moments.

Over time, however, Heather became increasingly aware of the limitations of the traditional Western medical model. She witnessed a cycle of short visits, rushed appointments, and prescription-driven solutions layered over complex problems that required a deeper understanding. She believed patients deserved more time, more curiosity, and more humanity, but the system simply didn’t allow for it.

At the same time, Heather’s own life shifted. As a single mother working long hours while raising two active boys, she experienced

an exhaustion that felt deeper than mere stress. When she sought care for herself, the answers she received felt like temporary fixes that never addressed the root cause. For the first time, she felt what so many women experience: being unheard, dismissed, and sent home without clarity.

That experience changed everything for her. It led Heather beyond traditional boundaries and into functional medicine—a model that asks “why” instead of just “which prescription.” She found a vocation focused on uncovering root causes rather than masking symptoms, where care is intentional, relational, and deeply human.

From that clarity, ME! Wellness & MedSpa was born. Today, Heather runs a one-woman practice offering functional medicine, hormone replacement therapy, IV therapy, peptides, medical weight loss, and aesthetic services. She is guided by a singular belief: health is not one-dimensional, and care shouldn’t be either. She understands that hormones, energy, metabolism, confidence, and longevity are all interconnected, and her mission

“FOR DECADES, I CARED FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES THROUGH EVERY SEASON OF LIFE. I CHERISHED THE CONTINUITY, THE RELATIONSHIPS, AND THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING INVITED INTO PEOPLE’S MOST VULNERABLE MOMENTS.”

is to help clients make sense of those connections so they can finally feel like themselves again.

Heather’s choice to remain a one-woman practice is intentional. It ensures that each client receives her full presence—not a rushed handoff or a five-minute visit. She listens carefully to the stories, stressors, and lived experiences of her clients, believing that healing often begins the moment a person finally feels

believed. She recalls a client who, after seeing multiple providers, walked into her office discouraged and worn down. After their first visit, the woman looked at Heather through tears and said, “I finally feel home.”

That moment captures why Heather built this practice—to create a space where people feel heard, validated, and supported, often for the first time in years.

Two years ago, Heather moved to Northern Colorado to begin a new chapter, one shaped by the mountains and a blended family full of joyful chaos. That same sense of grounding and renewal is what she hopes every person feels when they walk through her doors. Heather’s commitment to her readers and clients is rooted in integrity and intention; she offers more than just a service—she offers partnership, presence, and a promise to help them feel well again.

For those who find Heather’s story familiar—experiencing fatigue without answers or the sense that something is “off” despite doing everything right—that awareness matters. Often, these patterns are the body’s way of signaling that hormones, stress chemistry, or metabolic signals are out of balance.

Gaining clarity doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Sometimes, it starts with simply understanding what the body is trying to communicate. For anyone feeling stuck with fatigue, mood changes, or weight that doesn’t respond to their best efforts, Heather suggests that their hormones may be asking for a closer look.

Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a life you’re proud of.

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.

As a 3rd generation family-owned and operated residential HVAC business, we take great pride in our reputation for quality workmanship, exceptional customer service, and knowledgeable staff. Our team of highly trained technicians and installers are set apart from others in the industry by their skills and expertise.

PERMISSION to be

cheesy

VALENTINE’S DAY CHEESECAKE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSIE SUPPES

Valentine’s Day is all about showing your loved one just how much you care. Rather than opting for the predictable chocolates and flowers, why not showcase your culinary prowess and create a one-of-a-kind cheesecake? Not only will this delectable treat demonstrate your affection, but it will also add a personal and luxurious touch to the holiday celebration. Make this Valentine’s Day truly memorable by going above and beyond with a heartfelt, homemade gift. Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for two because it’s both rich and indulgent, but not too heavy. Plus, it can be easily customized to fit your own personal taste and it’s much easier than you think!

TO MAKE THE PERFECT CHEESECAKE, YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 pound cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 3 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 prepared graham cracker crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Next, add in the sour cream and heavy cream and mix until everything is well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cheesecake is set. Let cool completely before serving.   For this recipe, we decided to add berries and honey to the top of our cheesecake. Take the time to make yours special to your relationship. With toppings such as chocolate, jelly, whipped cream, berries, fruit, or whatever your partner’s favorite is, you’re sure to make them smile. Make things colorful by adding food coloring to the mix, it can even be made in their favorite color. You can also change things up by making your own crust with Oreos or cinnamon crackers.

To elevate this recipe to the next level, consider using high-quality ingredients such as grass-fed cream cheese and locally sourced honey. For added luxury, try using a blend of different types of berries, or even substituting the graham cracker crust with a crust made of crushed pistachios or hazelnuts.

In addition to adding a variety of toppings, you can also get creative with the presentation. For example, try using a springform pan to create a heart-shaped cheesecake, or using cookie cutters to create fun shapes out of the cheesecake slices. You can also garnish the cheesecake with edible flowers or a sprinkle of edible gold dust for a truly indulgent experience.

Date Night

AT HOME

THREE CREATIVE IDEAS TO CELEBRATE LOVE

ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL

Not every date night needs to involve reservations or an elaborate itinerary. With a little creativity, you can create magical moments right at home. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just want to reconnect, here are three ideas for unforgettable at-home date nights.

ROMANTIC PICNIC UNDER THE STARS

Transform your backyard or balcony into a dreamy picnic spot! Spread out a cozy blanket, add a few fluffy pillows, and hang string lights or fairy lights for ambiance. A small fire pit or lanterns can also add a romantic glow.

Pack a picnic basket with finger foods and a bottle of wine or sparkling water. Don’t forget a decadent dessert like chocolate-dipped strawberries. Lay back and stargaze, identifying constellations or making wishes on shooting stars. To make it extra romantic, bring a bluetooth speaker and play soft music.

PAINT AND CREATE TOGETHER

Unleash your inner artists with one of these three fun and interactive dates. Grab some inexpensive canvases, brushes, and acrylic paints from the craft store. Don’t forget aprons or old clothes to protect against spills!

• Paint each other’s portraits for a mix of laughter and creativity.

• Work on a collaborative painting - each person adds their own touch to a single canvas.

• Try a themed painting challenge, like recreating your favorite memory together.      Pair this date with a cheese platter and wine and don’t worry about being “good’ at painting - it’s all about enjoying the process together.

BREAKFAST IN BED

Start the day with love by turning breakfast into an indulgent experience. Prepare a tray with a DIY breakfast charcuterie board. Include mini pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, bacon, and pastries. Add small bowls of toppings like syrup, Nutella, or whipped cream.

Mix up mimosas or serve coffee with flavored syrups and whipped cream for a café vibe. Then, snuggle up in bed and watch a favorite movie or TV series.

DIS COVER THE VALAIS REGION OF SWITZERLAND, WHERE ALPINE TRAILS, THERMAL SPRINGS, AND LOCAL TRADITIONS CREATE RESTORATIVE TRAVEL.

AN ALPINE ESCAPE

In Switzerland’s Valais region, wellness and adventure are always part of the same itinerary. Morning could bring a high-alpine hike, afternoon a soak in mineral-rich springs, and evening a table set with traditional cuisine, always including delicious wine and cheese. For travelers, the best part will be finding the perfect balance between exploring the outdoors and relaxing with wellness-infused activities in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

A CAR-FREE ALPINE ADVENTURE IN ALETSCH ARENA

An easy train ride from Zurich lands visitors in the Aletsch Arena, a high-alpine region on the south side of the Bernese Alps, home to three villages: Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp. Known for its ski slopes in winter and hiking in summer, the area is entirely car-free, making walking and local buses the main modes of transportation through its quaint chalet-lined streets.

One of the main attractions of the ski-in/ski-out area is the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 12-mile glacier is visible from several vantage points, shaping every experience in the area.

WHERE TO STAY

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

Located in the heart of Bettmeralp, Hotel Panorama provides no-fuss accommodations steps away from the picturesque Chapel Maria Zum Schnee. The hotel’s restaurant offers delicious regional cuisine, including raclette paired with Swiss wine. A good bottle of Pinot Noir or Gamay is also easy to come by because the Valais region of Switzerland is one of the largest wine-producing areas in the country, with vineyards dotting the steep slopes of the Rhône Valley. In addition to wine and cheese, eating cholera, a covered vegetable pie invented in the region during the cholera epidemic, is a must.

WHAT TO DO

Begin at Viewpoint Moosfluh, the closest and lowest vantage point of the Aletsch Glacier. From there, trailheads lead to Villa Cassel, once the home of a British financier and now a museum focused on history and conservation. The hike passes through a thousand-yearold forest with views of both the glacier and the Matterhorn.

Walk over Goms Bridge, a nearly 1,000-foot-long suspension bridge that connects two hiking areas over the Rhône River. For a final look at the majestic glacier, take the cable car to Viewpoint Eggishorn. At nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Jungfraujoch, or the “Top of Europe,” and the most comprehensive view of the Aletsch Glacier.

THERMAL WATERS AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS IN LEUKERBAD

After miles of hiking in the Aletsch Arena, it is time to relax and recharge in the mountain village of Leukerbad.

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Restaurant Quellenhof Leukerbad is steps away from many of the area’s best thermal pools. The hotel also has a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with several regional specialties.

WHAT TO DO

Since the 1500s, the area has been a well-known destination for wellness and healing due to over 65 natural hot springs that

flow into the alpine village. Several public bathhouses welcome visitors year-round, including Leukerbad Therme, the largest thermal wellness resort in Europe. The family-friendly wellness center includes ten pools and a range of hot and cold plunge options. Walliser Alpentherme & Spa and Therme 51 also offer public access to the mineral-rich waters.

A hike through Dala Gorge provides beautiful mountain views while traversing a 2,000-foot suspension bridge over the Dala River. Hikers can also experience a 100-foot waterfall before the forested hiking trail leads back to Leukerbad.

The village is considered one of the most traditional and beautiful alpine settings in the country. It lacks the pretentiousness of Switzerland’s larger metropolitan areas and offers a storybook atmosphere with a friendly small-town feel. Walking through

Leukerbad reveals gorgeous chalets, small shops, bakeries, and restaurants worth exploring.

WHERE TO EAT

No trip to Switzerland is complete without fondue. Dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, fondue, which translates to “melt” in French, is a national dish consisting of a blend of Gruyere and Emmental cheeses. One of the oldest family-owned restaurants in Leukerbad, Restaurant Sternen offers traditional fondue along with a variety of mix-ins and dipping options. Pair the fondue with Valais wine for a celebratory meal. Restaurant Waldhaus is one of the most elevated restaurants in the village and is another family-run establishment offering a seasonal menu and over 70 different grappas to choose from.

HISTORY AND ALPS MEET IN MARTIGNY

A short train ride takes visitors to one of the largest cities in the Valais region of Switzerland. The city is a crossroads between Italy and France, with a history dating back to Roman times. Visitors can tour Roman ruins, including a well-preserved amphitheater, ancient settlements, and Roman baths.

WHERE TO STAY

Martigny Boutique Hotel is minutes from the train station and is one of the few establishments in the city employing people with disabilities. The light and bright hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring the city.

WHAT TO DO

Take the steepest funicular in the world, the Mont-Blanc Express, on a scenic ascent through the Alps. The funicular connects to a smaller train that leads to the Trient Valley on the French-Swiss border, where, at the top, a full day of activity begins. Hiking, biking, zip-lining, or traversing the Emosson Dam, which straddles France and Switzerland, are all options. The crystal clear blue waters of Emosson Lake are perfect for a picnic or a break between adventures.

Back in Martigny, Barryland, the only theme park in the world dedicated to St. Bernard dogs, offers a look at the history of the dog, bred by monks in the 17th century for alpine rescue work. The Barry Foundation, founded in 2005, continues to preserve the breed and educate visitors about it. Guests can watch the dogs train, play, and interact as they learn about their role in the region.

Roman influence remains visible across the city, including at Les Bains Publics at Hotel Borsari, where visitors can soak in cement wine barrels located in the hotel’s spa. The baths sit on the site of a former wine tank factory and offer a circuit of hot and cold pools in a historically inspired, wine-colored setting.

LOVE POTION #9

ANNA BARNES

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY

A PINK COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY

WHO NEEDS FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE FLOWERS AND COCKTAILS?

This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 1.5 oz rosé

• 5 oz fresh grapefruit juice

• 5 oz simple syrup

• 1 egg white

• 3 oz bubbles (champagne or sparkling wine)

THE HOW-TO:

1. Pour the rosé, simple syrup, egg white, and grapefruit juice into an ice-filled shaker.

2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until chilled.

3. Pour into a coupe glass using the strainer.

4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.

5. Garnish with edible flowers and grapefruit peel.

6. Enjoy!

ARTICLE AND

BY TYLER SHANE

A PERFECT M ARRIAGE SOUP AND BREAD:

Hearty food nourishes the body during cold winter months

What if we chose connection — cooking seasonal meals and allowing ourselves to pause to truly enjoy our food? Maybe cheesy bread could be served without the side of guilt.

As we continue to embrace the cold weather, we may find ourselves craving heavier and grounding foods as we retreat into hibernation. This change in appetite reflects our body’s desire to align with the cycles of nature. Moving into the New Year, it can be common to place more discipline or restrictions on our eating habits. But what if instead of dieting, we nourished ourselves by choosing to support the ebb and flow of our body’s seasons? What if we chose connection — cooking seasonal meals and allowing ourselves to pause to truly enjoy our food? Maybe cheesy bread could be served without the side of guilt. This Italian wedding soup recipe is simple in its approach, but the result is a hearty and brothy dish. Chunky meats and vegetables add texture to the rich, savory broth making it the ideal meal to help you retreat from the cold temperatures. The Hasselback bread loaf is a straightforward, melty wonder and the perfect vessel for sopping up any leftover broth and goodies in your soup bowl. Together, the soup and cheesy bread make for a well-rounded meal to ground you this season, with a little indulgence.

CONTINUED >

HASSELBACK MOZZARELLA BREAD LOAF

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Italian bread loaf

• 1 cup butter

• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 2 tsp dried oregano

• 8 oz. bag of shredded mozzarella cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. Cut foil that is 3 times the length of the bread loaf and lay flat on countertop.

3. Place bread loaf parallel to the length of the foil.

4. With a serrated knife, cut bread in ¾ in. slices, making sure not to cut all the way through.

5. Melt butter in a bowl. Add garlic and seasonings. Stir to incorporate.

6. With a pastry brush, coat the slices of bread with butter mixture. Be generous with your butter! If you have leftover butter, pour the rest over the entire loaf.

7. Grab handfuls of mozzarella cheese and stuff in between each slice.

8. Cover the bread loaf with foil and place in oven. Bake for 20 minutes, uncovering the foil for the last 5 minutes until the top of the bread is golden brown.

ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP RECIPE

4 Servings

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. fresh or frozen pre-made meatballs

• ½ cup carrots, diced small

• ½ cup celery, diced small

• 1 cup onions, diced small

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 bay leaf

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp cooking oil

• 48 oz low sodium chicken broth

• ½ cup orzo pasta (or any small, short noodle)

• 1 tbsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper

• 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped roughly

• 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley

DIRECTIONS

1. Whether freshly baked or cooked from frozen, prepare your meatballs and set aside. Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the fridge.

2. Bring a medium-sized pot to medium heat. Add oil and butter.

3. Add vegetables to the pot and sweat until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir occasionally.

4. Add the bay leaf, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to vegetables. Turn heat to medium-high.

5. Bring broth mixture to a rolling boil for five minutes. With tongs, add meatballs to the boiling broth.

6. Add orzo to the broth, stirring continuously to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

7. Continue to cook the pasta for 6-7 minutes. Taste test to make sure pasta is al dente.

8. Throw the fresh herbs into the soup and add salt and pepper to taste.

9. Serve immediately.

MIRROR WORK FOR SELF-LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? Everyone knows this line from Snow White. The Queen wanted to be the fairest. When she wasn’t, she poisoned beautiful Snow White. Most of us do not believe ourselves to be the fairest, but quite the opposite.

As February is widely known as the month of love, let’s focus on self-love. Often people, especially parents, tend to give a lot to their partners and their children and less to themselves. Sometimes it is challenging for us to silence the inner critic that speaks harshly to ourselves in a way we would never speak to a loved friend or family member. This is where mirror work can help.

Many people have a complicated relationship with the mirror. We don’t always like to look at our reflections. We may find it confronting. Taylor Swift even sings about it in her song Anti-hero: “I’ll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror.” Why is it so difficult for some of us to gaze with love–or affection–into the mirror?

ARTICLE BY LEA GRIMALDI

Mirror work, a term coined by transformational teacher and selflove expert Louise Hay, founder of Hay House Publishing, and the author of You Can Heal Your Life and Mirror Work: 21 Days to Heal Your Life, is the practice of looking at yourself in the mirror and saying nice things to yourself. You can start with something simple. “I like myself. I am doing the best I can today.” Or even, “Hey sweetie! You look great!” One of my favorites is, “I love, accept, and forgive myself fully and completely.” Mirror work combines well with affirmations, which are positive phrases said in the present tense as if they are already true. The practice of saying affirmations combined with mirror work can increase the benefits of both practices.

I AM STRONG. I AM CAPABLE. I CAN DO THIS. I BELIEVE IN MYSELF. I KNOW MY WORTH. I CAN DO HARD THINGS. MY LIFE IS ABUNDANT. I AM HAPPY AND HEALTHY IN MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT. I BELIEVE IN MYSELF. I AM KIND AND COMPASSIONATE. I DESERVE LOVE AND ABUNDANCE. I AM DOING MY BEST. I AM SMART. I AM BRAVE. I AM POWERFUL. I AM STRONG.

The objective of mirror work is to help people silence their inner critic and believe the positive words they are telling themselves while looking at themselves in the mirror.

Mirror work can help with self-esteem issues and can achieve results such as changing a negative body image to a more positive one. Hay developed the practice to increase self-compassion and self-love as part of the daily activities detailed in her 1984 book You Can Heal Your Life

Although it can be confronting and challenging, it is important to practice mirror work regularly to reap the benefits. Set a daily goal of saying affirmations while looking at your reflection in the mirror and seeing how it makes you feel. Start with two minutes a day and work up to five.

As a yoga teacher, I have included mirror work in my classes with clients. Often the first experience with the exercise is somewhat uncomfortable, but with practice, it becomes more natural. When resistance comes up, ask yourself what you are feeling, allow the emotion to be present, and then release it. It may be rooted in a past experience and just needs to be acknowledged and felt before you can let it go.

HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE GUIDELINES FOR HOW TO CREATE A MIRROR WORK PRACTICE:

• Make sure you will be alone and uninterrupted so you can let your guard down and allow emotions to surface

• Try to do it for a set amount of time, such as five minutes every day

• Allow yourself to feel and process whatever emotions show up

• Keep a journal to record your feelings, reactions, and experiences

• Start with less confronting or difficult phrases, and as you become comfortable increase the intensity

Mirror work can be used in tandem with inner-child work because many of the negative limiting beliefs that play in our minds are the result of something we were told as a child that is not true about us or our life. If something negative comes up during mirror work, we can challenge it and write about the feelings in the journal, thus freeing us from that limiting belief.

Inner child work is an approach to recognizing and healing childhood trauma. We all experience traumas as children which affect the way we experience the world. As adults, we can reconnect with the child we once were, in order to heal. Mirror work is one way to help facilitate that process, in addition to talk therapy, meditation exercises, and setting healthy boundaries.

MIRROR WORK COMBINES WELL WITH AFFIRMATIONS, WHICH ARE POSITIVE PHRASES SAID IN THE PRESENT TENSE AS IF THEY ARE ALREADY TRUE.

Here are some ideas for affirmations to use with your mirror work. I am strong. I am capable. I can do this. I believe in myself. I know my worth. I can do hard things. My life is abundant. I am happy and healthy in mind, body, and spirit. I believe in myself. I am kind and compassionate. I deserve love and abundance. I am doing my best. I am smart. I am brave. I am powerful.

In the words of Hay, “Doing mirror work is one of the most loving gifts you can give yourself.”

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