February 14th, also known as Valentine’s Day, can be a difficult holiday. For one day, each year, we celebrate love. Sounds like a happy topic, right? Unfortunately, not for all of us. Romantic relationships, like everything else in our lives, can often be complicated. The origins of this holiday are sweet and heartfelt as is essentially a religious celebration of romance. Nowadays, I think that it has become a consumer holiday. Treats, gifts, jewelry, expensive dates and dinners, are all sorts of propaganda and ways for companies and businesses to make money! As a child, Valentine’s Day always felt so happy. We used to share letters and candy with our best friends and teachers to show and receive the love and appreciation we had for one another. Nowadays, it feels either depressingly lonely, or like a social media battle of who has the best partner (boyfriend or girlfriend!) and the best gifts.
I am here to spread some words of love. We have to remember the deep roots and origin of Valentine’s Day in order to be able to admire it again. I am only in my early 20’s, and I surely do not have all of the wisdom and knowledge in the world, but I do have sound advice that has been passed down from my older maternal generations. Valentine’s Day can be a reminder of not having a significant other to spend it with. Scrolling through instagram for hours sobbing at couples’ posts thinking, “why can’t that be me” or “when will I find the one” is exactly the behavior we need to steer away from. For me, Valentine’s Day can bring me negative thoughts not only because it reminds me of my past toxic relationships, but also because it is the anniversary of the death of my grandmother. But, through empowerment and positive thoughts, I remind myself that those are obstacles I have over come. You have to be your own biggest supporter and love yourself. Because if you don’t, who will?!
It can sometimes be difficult, especially in the midst of this pandemic. One might crave the love and attention of a significant other solely due to loneliness and boredom. But, this blog is not meant to be dreary and lonely, it’s meant to illustrate that love can come in more than one form. Love does not always define a romantic relationship. Love can be towards our parents, siblings, friends, our favorite foods and activities, and most importantly ourselves. I love the idea of “Galentine’s Day” because it ensures people that celebrating healthy friendships matters too. Finding happiness during Valentine’s Day can become possible, and it all starts within your own heart.
“self love” by nathanrussell is licensed under CC BY 2.0
This year, it’s time to redirect your focus onto celebrating the healthy relationships your life blossoms with. We have all heard, “Love yourself before one can love you”, but it’s time for us to practice it. Don’t be so hard on yourself, and take time to appreciate the little things in your life that make you happy. Spend the day pampering yourself with activities that make your heart happy. Be kind to yourself, your mind, and your body. If you are single this year, tell yourself that you love you! Self-love is the best kind of love. You do not have to worry about a significant other breaking your heart or leaving you. Admire yourself, inside and out, flaws and all. Sure, this may sound selfish, but I truly believe it is the key to finding happiness. Take the day to reflect, forgive yourself, work on personal development, and be grateful. Remind yourself that it is okay if you’ve never spent Valentine’s Day with anyone, it is okay if this is your first Valentine’s Day alone in while, and it is okay to spend the day with friends, family, and pampering yourself. Remind yourself that you are loved, that you are a positive light, that your are worthy of love, and that you are enough.
If you are single this Valentine’s Day, pour yourself your favorite drink, cook yourself your favorite dish, take a warm and relaxing bath, and remember that your are loved!
This post was edited on March 21, 2021 by leo0810
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