Valentine's Day does not have to be traditionally romantic!

Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope everyone has a great day filled with love and appreciation. I’m sending lots of love your way! As you can see from the title, Valentine’s Day does not have to be all about traditional love. It can be so much more than that.

“You can find romance in your life even if you aren’t involved in a romance. Life can be beautiful, spontaneous, surprising, romantic, and magical without you having some love affair happening. You can replace all of those feelings you used to have when you were enamored with someone with being enamored with your friends. And enamored with learning new things. And challenging yourself. And living your life on your own terms. I never understood it when people would say, “Oh, you know, in your twenties, you just need to be alone.” And I just, I never quite got it, because they would never explain to me that it’s so important to define yourself on your own terms. When you’re in love, that person’s opinion affects your opinions. Everything you do goes through this filter of “How would they feel about it?” Because, if you’re a caring person and you’re in love, then that’s what you do. But there’s something really wonderful about changing your life if you want to. Moving to New York if you want to. Changing directions of your entire outlook. If you want to. And having it only be on your own terms.”

I love that quote so much. I think it reminds us all that romance doesn’t have to be traditional. We can romanticize our lives every single day. Romanticize taking a walk to go and get coffee. Romanticize cleaning your apartment. Romanticize doing your schoolwork. Fall in love with your life exactly the way it is. If you don’t like something, then go and change it on your own terms. You are in charge of your own happiness. We should all aspire to love the life that we are living.

Valentine’s Day is quite lonely for many people. A lot of people will scroll through their Instagram feed and wish that they had what other people have. It's easy to get caught up in the comparison game. However, we have to remember that every season of our lives happens for a reason. Embrace the place that you’re currently at. It’s there to serve a purpose. Remember, you're currently living your best life. Of course, there will be highs and there will be lows. Big feelings are going to happen. However, we cannot let a Hallmark holiday dictate our feelings and lead us to feeling bad about ourselves. You are so loved. By countless people. There are so many people that are beyond grateful that you're present in their life.

If you're feeling down about Valentine's Day this year, then take the day to celebrate yourself! Love yourself and take a moment to appreciate all that you are. Be kind to yourself. Take a deep breath. Take a step back and remember that you are so loved. Celebrate the people in your life. There's so many things you can do to celebrate any form of love. Even if it is just giving your pet an extra treat or pet to show them that you love them! Treat yourself to your favorite meal. Take a bubble bath. Buy yourself flowers. Do what you love. Go on a picnic with your friends! Embrace the platonic loves in your life. My friends and I had a picnic to celebrate Galentine's Day and it was truly magical. We went to Lake Hollywood Park and had the best time. We baked a cake and everything! I highly recommend.

Send a 'Happy Valentine's Day' text to your parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends. Tell them how much you love them. Valentine's Day does not have to be about a significant other. It does not have to be traditional at all. It is a day to celebrate all the love that exists in the world. Go out and do what you love to do. Love yourself. Love others. Define yourself on your own terms.

Happy Valentine's Day, lovers. 🦋

Xo,

-Courtney