Valentine’s Day: A Reminder to Embrace Love

By Bree minger, amft

Valentine’s Day— some consider it a cheesy “Hallmark” holiday, while others cherish the opportunity to romance their significant other. Regardless, as adults it is often viewed as a day for lovers. Sure, “Galentine’s Day” is relevant and on the rise as a fun way for girlfriends to celebrate each other. However, many people view Valentine’s Day as a holiday they cannot participate in if they do not have a special someone. 

What if Valentine’s Day was different? What if Valentine’s Day was the ”day of love” for everyone?

A deep rooted need for all of us is the desire to be loved. Whether by a spouse, partner, friend, neighbor, teacher, the list goes on— a part of us wants to know we are loved and seen. Ultimately, we can show ourselves love too. Loving others and ourselves, is essential and seems easy. In reality it is not. Schedules get busy, things get forgotten and it becomes tiring to be intentional with others, let alone yourself. 

This Valentine’s Day consider how you may show love, either to yourself or others in a way that seems manageable. 

Showing love to others: 

• Check in on an elderly neighbor 

• Bring a meal to a family 

• Write an encouraging note to your coworker 

• Pay it forward at a coffee shop for the next stranger in line 

• Volunteer at a shelter 

• Call a family member you haven’t heard from in a while

Showing love to yourself: 

• Make time to move your body 

• Step outside into the sunshine for 10 minutes 

• Journal about what you are grateful for this year so far

• Write positive affirmations and stick them on your bathroom mirror

• Cook a new healthy recipe you’ve been wanting to try 

• Practice deep breathing 

There are so many more ways to love others and yourself. With whatever comes to mind for you, embrace the opportunity to spread love and kindness.  

The Dread of Valentine’s Season

By Nicole Marino, AMFT

With February here, this time of year can bring on a mix of emotions for many different people especially when it comes to Valentine’s Day. It can be a triggering time for many people. Whether you are single or grieving, it can be emotionally challenging with the constant reminder of hearts and love everywhere you go. This February could be an opportunity to look at this month and season of time differently rather than giving it the power to bring down your mood.

At the most basic level, Valentine’s Day is about love. That doesn’t mean it has to be romantic love. Maybe take this month as a self-care and self-love month to focus just on yourself! Or with so many fun Galentine’s ideas, maybe getting together with your friends and focus on the love you have within that support system in your life. Even if you do not have a romantic partner, it doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate and embrace the feeling of the season.

There are so many good ideas when it comes to focusing on self-care such as….

- Cooking yourself dinner and watch your favorite show/movie

- Bake your favorite dessert

- Go for a long walk

- Take yourself on a date (dinner, movie, get out of town, etc.)

- Get yourself some sort of beauty treatment (massage, facial, etc.)

- Paint or draw (lean into your creative side)

- Organize or do some cleaning that maybe you’ve been procrastinating

- Go to a workout class

- Resight some self-affirmations and remind yourself of how amazing you are

Even if you don’t want to be alone, spend some time with friends or family. You can do any of those things with someone else. You can also host a party or get-together with people in your life who need to be reminded that they are also loved. It is such an important time to remind the people in your life why you care about them and feel gratitude for the things and people that you feel lucky to have. Remind yourself of the things you do have in life, while also allowing yourself to feel however you feel. Meet yourself where you are at and listen to what you need. If this month is just something you want to get through and move on from then that is completely okay! Just know that you are not alone even if sometimes it can feel that way.