Happy Love Day a/k/a Valentine’s Day! Love is such an amazing emotion and connection, and it can evokes feeling of deep affection or great interest and pleasure in something or someone. Love is an action verb—meaning you must do acts of love, show understanding and compassion to yourself and others. Taking the time to understand someone’s love language takes action on your part and speaks louder than just saying the word. Today symbolizes a day to celebrate all kinds of love. Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 each year in the United States and across other parts of the world, and though it’s not an official holiday as in a day-off from work, this year Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday so it’s perfect for a romantic weekend getaway or for hanging out with friends or loved ones. But wait we’re still in a pandemic; forgive me I was just dreaming for a minute. However, just because the pandemic is affecting your love life and your love plans, it doesn’t mean that the entire day should be cancelled. You can still find creative ways to celebrate all the different kinds of love in your life.
Valentine’s Day is not just a celebration of romantic love, but for example can be a celebration of self-love, love for your family, love in friendships and even the love you once had for your ex. Note I am not advocating for you to go back together with your ex; they’re an X for a reason which means red flag, hazard, warning lights flickering, and proceed with caution, but just take some time today to pause and reflect on the good times you once shared with someone and the lessons you learned from that relationship and how it has strengthened you and made you a better person. All of the relationships that didn't work prepared you for the one that will. I am all about progressing and moving forward to bigger and better things so I would never recommend moving backwards (wink wink).
Here are some ways you can have an amazing Valentine’s Day, regardless of your relationship status:
If you are in a relationship don’t forget to make your significant other feel loved and appreciated today. Remember it’s not always about money or how much was spent on a gift but it’s about being thoughtful and kind, today and hopefully every day of the year.
If you are single focus on self-love and do something special for you today. Self-love comes first in my opinion whether you are in a relationship or single. When you love yourself, you can teach others how to love you.
If you are big on selfcare Sundays well today kick things up a notch! Level up your Selfcare Sunday routines—cook that delicious breakfast, take that relaxing shower/bubble bath and pour yourself a glass of that expensive champagne or wine you have been saving for a special occasion. Being alive, healthy and in the right mental head space is cause for celebration always! Cheers to being in healthy relationships and cheers to not being in toxic relationships and happily single.
If you are dieting, have a cheat day today and indulge in some sweet deserts such as ice cream, chocolate, chocolate—covered strawberries and so on. Life is all about balance so everything in moderation. Chocolate does the body good so have some fun with it!
Reach out to a friend who may be going through a hard time such as a recent divorce, brake-up or heartbreak. Reach out to someone who may be feeling pandemic fatigue, lonely and frustrated with the dating scenes.
Get dressed up even if you don’t plan to leave the house. Put on that red or pink lipstick, strut like a model, (insert Saucy Santana lyrics) and “let me see you walk walk walk walk” all the way to the couch!
In all seriousness, enjoy the day and remember to make time to smell the roses. Be grateful for all the love you have in your life and leave all entanglements alone—don’t nobody have time for that. Finally, a reminder that February is heart month, so how is your heart? Heart disease is the leading cause of death for all Americans, both men and women. Take care of your heart and take necessary steps to lead a healthier lifestyle in order to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Step outside for some fresh air or go for a walk today to get your blood/oxygen flowing and show your heart some love. For more information on Heart Health visit heart.org and read this article to learn more about heart disease in women.