Last night, under the glow of the full moon, I fell more deeply in love—with my wife, Kelly, and for the first time, intentionally, with myself.

Date nights have always been important to us. We try to carve out Wednesday nights to reconnect, but with the chaos of life—holidays, travel, flu season, kid stuff, work stuff—it had been a while. Yesterday, we woke up and realized it was once again Wednesday. Date night. Instead of letting it slip by, I decided to set an intention: to fall more deeply in love with both Kelly and myself. This was new. Loving Kelly? That’s been the focus of every date night. But actively including myself in that equation? That felt different.

The universe seemed to align with that intention because within minutes, I stumbled across Moonlight Yoga & Spa at The Rose. Are you kidding me? Yes, please. I booked it immediately.

We Ubered downtown, already feeling the excitement of a night ahead. Our Uber driver, as if scripted by the universe, engaged us in one of those rare, deep, meaningful conversations that makes you feel like the world is nudging you toward something bigger.

We arrived at The Rose Spa at The Joseph Hotel and were met with true hospitality. From the moment we stepped inside, every detail felt intentional, warm, and inviting. We started with the sauna, then moved to the experience shower—an invigorating mix of mist, cold, and aromatherapy that woke up every part of me. Then, we indulged in the tea and snack bar before sinking into the lounge chairs, wrapped in robes, fully present with each other. No phones. No distractions. Just being. We talked about our dreams, our fears, our learning. It was connection in its purest form.

The Moonlight Yoga session with Ashley Lorenzo from YogaWorks that followed was unlike any other I’d experienced. This practice softened me. Instead of spending the hour comparing my 50-year-old body and waist to the fit, ripped yoga instructor, I saw Ashley reflecting back my own strength and beauty. I deepened into love—for myself, my health, my resilience. So much less of what I’m not, and so much more of what I am.

As we moved through the practice, I noticed something new: I wasn’t fully one way or the other. Usually, I’m either completely present, lost in the flow, or I’m distracted, wishing it was over. But last night, I held both.

There was a part of me thinking about time, wondering how much longer we had, and another part of me that was fully immersed, content, and grateful. It wasn’t either-or. It was both. That realization alone felt like a breakthrough. How often do we think we have to be all in or all out? What if we let ourselves exist in the in-between?

We moved through heart openers, basking in the energy of the full moon, and then I did something that felt like the truest form of release—I jumped into the rooftop pool, immersing myself in the water under the moonlight. It was cleansing. It was freeing. It was a full-body yes.

As I floated in that pool, I realized something: Date night can be both. It can be about giving love and receiving it. It can be about pouring into my relationship with Kelly and honoring my relationship with myself. Love for others is deepened by love for self.

How often do we put ourselves last in the equation of love? How often do we reserve romance, kindness, and care only for those around us, never turning it inward? Last night, I felt the shift. I didn’t just love Kelly more deeply—I felt more loved, by me.

If you’re in Nashville and looking for a place to truly unwind—to step out of the chaos and into something intentional, restorative, and luxurious—The Rose at The Joseph is it. The spa is breathtaking, the hospitality unmatched, and Moonlight Yoga & Spa is an absolute dream. Whether it’s a date night, a solo night, or a much-needed self-care ritual, it’s an experience worth having.

Loving others deeply starts with loving ourselves. It doesn’t have to be either-or. It can be both. It must be both.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I know this holiday can bring up all kinds of feelings. For some, it’s fun and romantic. For others, it can feel like pressure, loneliness, or unmet expectations. I’ve experienced it all. So here’s a little nudge: be your own Valentine. Treat yourself with the same love, tenderness, and joy that you would offer to a partner. Buy yourself flowers. Indulge in something that makes you feel alive. Love for others is beautiful, but love for yourself is essential.

Where in your life are you giving love but not receiving it? Where are you showing up for others but forgetting to show up for yourself? What would it look like to include yourself in the equation?

Maybe it’s time to fall in love with yourself, too. 💛