Happy Valentine's Day!
It’s the middle of February, Vibe Tribe, and you know what that means...
This weekend is Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day is a holiday about which almost everyone has an opinion. Some people relish the excuse to shower their loved ones with gifts and affection. Others find it trite and performative. Some appreciate the reminder of what they have while others find it to be a reminder of what they wish they had. Whether you love it or hate it, whether you savor the sappiness or run from it, the truth is, it’s hard to avoid this time of year.
According to Wikipedia, Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14th, is a celebration of love and affection. While the origins are religiously based, Valentine’s Day as we know and celebrate it today is predominantly a commercial holiday, only vaguely connected to its historical roots. What we think of as Valentine’s Day now usually has a lot to do with flowers, cards, chocolates, and gifts - external demonstrations of “love” all wrapped in pink and red hearts.
Considering that the holiday is largely performative, it is interesting how much time, energy, and thought so many of us put into it. If we are in a relationship, we worry about how to make the day special for our significant other. If we are unattached, we either try to find someone with whom to share the day or make broad statements about the ridiculousness of the day. Whether single or attached, whether celebrating with kids or turning it into “Galentine’s” with your closest girlfriends, we all tend to place some importance on not just the day, but on the thought of “being someone’s Valentine.”
What does that even mean?
The website vocabulary.com explains the expression of being someone’s “valentine” as being that person’s sweetheart - someone to whom that person intends to focus their attention and affection. Selecting someone as one’s “valentine” is viewed as an act of showing direct fondness, caring and tenderness toward that person.
These definitions and customs and traditions are all well and good, and they can be cute and fun, as well, but you know what? I think we can make this our own.
So, for starters, Vibe Tribe, will you be our Valentine?
No pressure, no obligations, no candy or flowers necessary. We are asking because we want you to know how important you are to us. How much we care, how much we value you, and how important you are to us. We aren’t offering gifts, jewelry, or some other fleeting token of affection - instead, we are offering unconditional support, encouragement, and motivation, plus a community full of people who want to celebrate you all year long. What do you think?
But wait. I have another question for you. Maybe even more important.
This year, in addition to choosing your special someone, in addition to taking this time to make outward expressions of love for the people closest to your heart… will you be YOUR Valentine?
We are so used to Valentine’s Day as being a time and celebration of outward love and affection. But when it comes right down to it, love is actually an inside job. So this year, add yourself to your Valentine’s list, and make sure that you show yourself just how worthy, adored, and valued you are - to yourself!
Need a little inspiration as to how to do this? Here are some ideas:
Write yourself a love note - remind yourself how amazing you are!
Buy yourself flowers - and proudly display them somewhere you will see them.
Take a hot bath - dim the lights and light some candles if you’d like, bring your favorite book or put on your favorite tunes - relax and enjoy the time!
Take a nap - give your body the rest it deserves.
Find and repeat a mantra or affirmation that is meaningful to you.
Make yourself your favorite meal - and dessert! - and enjoy every bite.
Go for a walk - fresh air and sunshine are so refreshing, yes, even when it’s cold outside!
And our personal favorite? Dance! Put on your favorite music, close your eyes, and just move in whatever way sets your soul free!
And remember - just because February 14th only comes around once a year, the love fest doesn’t have to stop. You don’t need a specific date on the calendar to remind yourself or those you love just how important they are.
I’d like to leave you with a final quote from Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good by adrienne maree brown (editor).
“This Valentine’s Day, commit to developing an unflappable devotion to yourself as part of an abundant, loving whole. Make a commitment with five people to be more honest with each other, heal together, change together, and become a community of care that can grow to hold us all.”
Let’s do it, Vibe Tribe. Let’s commit to ourselves and to each other.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
