Valentine's Day is often polarizing. Some feel it is a day of love. Others think it's a "Hallmark" holiday, perpetuated by the greeting card, candy and flower industries to sell products. Lastly, there are those who insist it's a day of loneliness for everyone who is not in a romantic love relationship. I think it all depends on how you choose to look at it.
I personally love Valentines Day. I've celebrated the day in many ways throughout the years. Some with romantic partners, others on my own. I can't really say any of them were better than the other. I can say that I had a wonderful time celebrating and enjoying the day year after year in whatever way I chose.
Personally, I like to have an excuse to make a day feel extraordinary and to celebrate. I love the excitement in the pit of my stomach, just like when I was a kid, when Valentine cards were passed out in class. I love embracing the idea that a day is different, special, extraordinary, simply because it brings about excitement.
I know it would seem wonderful if every day felt extraordinary (I think in some ways it can...but I'll save that for a different post) but often day-to-day life brings about monotony. We need to be able to break up the patterns of everyday life with positive new experiences or days that are special. It's an act of self love to make your day feel special. It does not need to be special because you got a box of chocolates or you are "in love". It's special because you decide it is. When you love yourself, you choose to create and embrace a day as extraordinary because you can. So allow today to be a day where you feel extraordinary, simply because you love you and you can create a great day.
This reminds me of a post I did a while back about being your own best friend, so I've included it below along with a brief exercise on loving and support yourself.
Be Your Own Best Friend
We all need to lean on others at times but when you need encouragement or are in a position where others can not understand your vision, you need to be able to be the friend and cheerleader that you need to make your dreams come true. Be confident and believe in yourself no matter what others think. If you love yourself, you can be your own best friend. What does it mean to be your own best friend? You give yourself the love, support and encouragement you need to accomplish your goals because you know it can happen. If you are waiting for others to approve of your actions or encourage you to follow your dreams, it’s time to reevaluate. Here is a quick exercise to help you practice giving yourself support:
1. Write a list of your current fears or obstacles, get whatever is bothering you off of your chest. Some examples:
I don’t know what I want to do.
I’m not smart enough.
I don’t have the resources to reach my goal.
2. Take a look at your list as if it’s a list your best friend provided you and asked for your advice/support. Next to each fear or obstacle write out a reply as if you are speaking to your best friend. Be encouraging and provide support to get them through their fears and doubts.
3. Read over your responses and trust the wise advice you have provided yourself.
If you have other tips on how to support and encourage yourself, please share them in the comments.