Today is Valentine’s Day and whether you are in a relationship or single, this day is still for you. In fact, I truly believe that it is meant for more than simply gifting chocolates and a stuffed animal to your significant other. This day is about love and it should be celebrated in whatever form it may take in your life.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines love in three different ways:
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“Strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties”
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“Attraction based on sexual desire: attraction or tenderness felt by lovers”
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“Affection based on admiration, benevolence or common interest”
When I think of the word “love,” the first thing that pops up into my head is my mother and my sister. I love them more than anything in this world because they are the most important people in my life. I do know, however, that not every person can love their family with the same passion I feel I do. This is why, even though I wholeheartedly agree with these definitions, number three stands out to me the most.
The next thing I think of when I hear the word “love” are my friends. They are my family here at school when I am not able to see my biological family everyday. Everytime I wake up in the morning, I am overwhelmed with happiness because I get to see my incredible roommates and relay to each other our dreams or celebrate the fact that we woke up to snow. When I am surrounded by my friends, I know that I am surrounded by pure, everlasting love.
I also think of some of my favorite things when I hear the word “love,” like my job, or music, or my bed, or mexican food. I love many things, and they fuel my passion for living. I strive to find fun in even the smallest things because I believe that life would not be worth it if I didn’t. Therefore, without love, my life would not have meaning.
Love, in my opinion, is what makes the world turn. Yes, today’s political, economic and social climate may not exude the idea of love, but I think love is so much deeper than that. If we embody whatever our idea of love is, life is so much more fulfilling.
So, on this Valentine’s Day, love. Love your family, love your friends, love your pets, love your job, love your homework, love your hobbies, love your home. Love everything, my friends. Be positive, have a good attitude and love. Love, love, love, love, love. Love is all you need.