be your own valentine 💌

Ah the day has come! Every year, this day will feel different, that’s inevitable. Some years may be spent with an asshole who forgets to get you flowers, or your mom who showers you in chocolates, or maybe even a guy who does all the right things (you lucky 🦆).

Being a single gal this year, it’s hard not to feel a little lonely. I mean you can’t avoid it. Whether it is your friend walking home with a bouquet of roses, or the simple act of opening instagram today (if you dare), this isn’t a day you can just choose to ignore.

So, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I want to talk about the joy of being single.

Being single is a gift. Whether you like it or not, it is God’s way of telling you that it’s time to focus on you. It’s time to give YOURSELF some love.

Just like everything else in life, being single is all about perspective. You can choose to see yourself as unworthy of love, or you can be open to the fact that this is an opportunity to discover yourself a little deeper. There’s no one to make time for, no texts to be constantly responding to, no stress of gift giving or date creating, you can just simply be, YOU!

To me, this essence of self-love is what today is really all about. A day completely dedicated to showing yourself, and the things you love, just how much they mean to you.

Now, if someone wants to get me a heart-shaped box of chicken minis and tulips this year, I won’t be saying no. But, since that is not happening, here’s how I am spending the day instead and a few ways to say “I love you” to yourself today:

• get your favorite coffee

• watch your comfort movie with a friend

• eat chocolate in cute pajamas

• go on a walk outside and appreciate some much needed sunshine this february

• listen to your favorite song extra loud in the car

• look and the mirror and give yourself a big ole smile

Love is a thing that society chooses to isolate to one meaning, and it is always associated

with a partner. To me, that’s not what love is at all. Don’t get me wrong, that is part of love, but it is not what defines it. Love is defined by a deep appreciation for the things that make us undeniably better.

Being your own valentine isn’t always easy, but it is the only one you will have every year. So, pick yourself this February 14th. Do something just for yourself today and lean into the love you so deeply deserve.

Send a text to your mom, and hug her if you can. Put new flowers in your kitchen. Write a note to that friend who might need it. Redefine the day into somethiping that matches your current state. For me, that meant seeing Margaret at backroads while I drank my favorite coffee and ate the best toast. Eating dinner and chocolate covered strawberries with Caroline. Going on a run and dancing to Beyoncé. Bringing flowers to my friends. Being Cupid is fun, and so is being your own valentine.

Today’s your yearly reminder that love is all around us. It just might not be where you’re expecting to find it.

I LOVE you all. Thank you for letting me share my little pieces of life with you. You guys are the best. 🩷