Some people wait for this day to spend it with their loved ones whereas others dread and wish to forget this day. While I have been in both of these situations before, let us not forget the main idea of Valentine’s day- love. Self-love is hard and this year, the day of romance is going to be spent in quarantine. If you are anything like me then chances are that you will be celebrating it alone, really alone especially because of these current pandemic circumstances…
Feeling lonely and sad around this time of the year is normal, but it’s essential to know that it is only one day and other people are probably going through the same thing. The concept of perspective is usually forgotten during this time. The common notion of Valentine’s day has always been love and happiness but it is important to know that all of that is a bigger picture that people show and perceive. There are people in relationships who are lonely and there are people who are single and fulfilled. Many couples resist Valentine’s day or some who find the commercialization of Valentine’s day foolish, even when they are head over heels in love.
This year let us take this time to show ourselves the love that we deserve. Self-love is as important as romantic love. It is important to give yourself the love that you deserve and the love you have been giving to others. Quarantine this year has been hard; however, some things can be done to showcase self-love like taking a hot bubbly bath, reading a book, cooking your favourite food or even ordering in! Maybe just going to sleep while binge-watching your favourite show is more to your taste Do anything that you enjoy, with love for yourself in your heart.
Whatever you do, it is important to remind yourself of your accomplishments, what you can do and what you love to do, because loving and trusting yourself ain’t easy. Before we start accepting ourselves for who we are, we opt to start picking on what is wrong with us and how we do not fit in the “social construct”.
Valentine’s day can be harder for some because the truth about some relationships is that they can sometimes be painful and toxic. They hurt your ability to focus on self-love and your esteem. Be selfish, be kind to yourself, buy yourself a bouquet of your favourite flowers, write yourself a letter, spend money on yourself because god knows you deserve it. This time put your energy into yourself. It might be hard at first but it is worth it. Falling in love with yourself is not easy, but it is worth the try. The road of deep healing is rocky but then it is an open field. Be patient with yourself.
It turns out that sometimes we try so hard to forget the existence of V-day that we criticize it beyond control. Keeping no expectations will make this day easier. Valentine’s day is about love, so celebrate it with yourself and the people who show you love and who are kind to your mind, body and soul.