Today is the day marketing makes all of us either feel bitter or sad because we don’t have a fill-in-the-blank, or moon-faced because we do. For some of us, the memories of all those Valentine’s Days Past where we were unable to express our true selves and love whom or how we wanted to bring up feelings of resentment, anger, and sadness. The history of Valentine’s Day is pretty fascinating — I strongly encourage you to have a read.
I’d like to suggest that instead of pining for diamonds or a proposal, instead of spending buckets on dinner and chocolates, instead of crying into a pillow or punching a wall, instead of denouncing the day for what the mainstream culture takes away from you — I suggest we make it our own. What’s wrong with having a day that celebrates love? Love make us feel safe, happy, wanted, needed, whole. It isn’t just about being loved. Loving makes us feel those things, too.
When we focus on the outrageous menu prices and the checklist of items to be purchased, given, or said, we forget to celebrate, with the people we love, love. You don’t have to have a fill-in-the-blank to love. Smiling at your neighbor, take a luxurious bubble bath, volunteering to walk a dog at an animal shelter, offering to babysit (for free) for someone who could really use a night off are all little ways that we can put more love out into the world. Maybe Valentine’s Day can be the day of the year you evaluate how you are loving all year, check in with yourself, and (re)connect with the people you love.
I’m not saying don’t do special things! Rituals are lovely, and a box of chocolates can be pretty scrumptious. What I am saying is this: Let’s have a hard look at what the marketing is telling us, and ask ourselves: Whose game do we want to play — ours or theirs.
Or the Romans’? 😉
Nathalie