This Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day can mean everything and nothing. The fine line between ‘single’ and ‘taken’ can make it the most anticipated 24 hours of the year for some people, while making it the most maligned for others. I’m not one for talking about my relationship status on social platforms but single-hood is the tide I’m riding here. That being said, there is a strong sentiment I’d like to convey through these words – regardless of which camp you belong to.

February 14 is about embracing your love for your significant other, your friends, or your single-hood, and however you do that, power to you. It is important to take the time, even if it is on a socially designated day of the year, to take a second to celebrate the people and aspects in your life that contribute to who you are. However, I want you to take another second and reflect. When was the last time you celebrated yourself? Not your relationships, not your career, not your achievements – just you.

On occasions like this when the desire to give is such a driving force, it’s easy to forget that you can’t give if you’re empty-handed. For some strange reason, we harbour the sentiment that those around us deserve the best without setting the same standards for ourselves. So, we give to others to the best of our capabilities while believing it’s okay to not give ourselves the same. How can you have love to give when you don’t have enough for the person in the mirror? If it’s not okay to treat those you love with less than a hundred percent of what you’re able, why are you treating yourself like an exception to that rule?

I know, it’s easier said than done. It seems safer to see all the flaws you’ve etched with minute intricacy into your brain. We’ve all done it to ourselves. But just for a bit, step outside your skin and think about how much beauty the world sees in you, your thoughts, and your opinions. You are a gift to the people in your life, and they express their affection for you for a reason. They cannot all be wrong.

So please. Before you offer yourself, thank yourself. Celebrate how far you’ve come. Invest the time to acknowledge your power, grace, and belief that you so willingly see in others. It’s time you see that you deserve that. This Valentine’s Day, take that second. This Valentine’s Day, look your reflection in the eyes and say “I love you more every minute”. This Valentine’s Day, start by filling your cup. This Valentine’s Day, love you first.