You’re either stoked for this “holiday” or looking for the nearest rock to crawl under. I’ve been on both sides before. Freshman year of college, I got denied when I asked someone to be my Valentine. Guess what happened next? That’s right, I threw my phone against the wall.
Oh, how things changed.
The next year I made a bouquet of chocolate covered strawberries hand dipped in pink rainbow sprinkles. I guess you could say I was struck with cupid’s bow and arrow. Valentine’s Day meant I could express my slushy feelings and have an excuse to wear red lipstick. It was a win, win.
I think most of us have a love-hate relationship with February 14th. And why wouldn’t we? There’s a lot of pressure that goes into V-Day. “Are we exchanging gifts this year?” “Where do we go to dinner?” “What’s the perfect present?” Valentine’s Day can be stressful. You’re either stalking Pinterest for hours on end, or wondering why you haven’t found “love” yet.
The other burden that comes with Valentine’s Day is that it forces you to reflect on your current “love-life” and suggests if you’re not in a relationship, you’re not allowed to celebrate love. It’s so exclusive that some of us don’t even acknowledge it anymore. Others, only celebrate Feb. 13th – “Galentine’s Day.” This up-and-coming craze is a day to celebrate “GALS” by embracing friendship and womanhood. Galentine’s Day proves that honoring love doesn’t mean you have to be in a romantic relationship.
Maybe, I want to buy myself bouquet of roses.
Instead of throwing my phone against that wall freshman year, I should’ve gone and brushed my shoulders off. So what if he doesn’t want to be my valentine? I’ll be my own damn valentine.
You got it.I’m talking self-love.
There are many definitions to self-love, but the overall theme is to value your own self-worth and nurture your wellbeing. This Valentine’s Day, I challenge all of you to recognize your worthiness – whether you’re in a relationship or not. Throw in a deep-tissue massage while you’re at it. Inspirational author, Rupi Kaur suggests,
“You must
Want to spend
The rest of your life
With yourself
First.”
Kaur’s insight is especially powerful during this time of year. At the end of the day you have to remember to take care of yourself. Be your number one fan. You don’t need someone to validate how great you are.
And when you’re feeling down in the dumps, remember what the brilliant Carrie Bradshaw said “Don’t forget to fall in love with yourself first.” This statement is so relevant! Be comfortable being your own valentine this year and show yourself the love you deserve.
Instead of having a negative or stressful relationship with Valentine’s Day, you should be excited to reflect on how far you’ve come and enjoy pampering yourself. I hope everyone has a wonderful V-Day and receives the love they deserve.
Xoxo Gossip Girl
Jk it’s Kayla.
