Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Signs of its impending arrival are all around us. Walk into all sorts of stores and you will most likely find a cornucopia of red and pink greeting cards, chocolates, flowers, and heart-covered consumables on display. It’s all there to shape how we celebrate February 14th; that we exchange love-inspiring gifts with the person to whom we’ve given our heart.
Let’s face it. Valentine’s Day is a “pressure holiday.” There’s an array of societal forces that send the message that if we are not out “painting the town” with a loving partner, then there is something wrong with us. This negative inference and self-talk is counter-productive. It’s time we squash that internal conversation. Regardless of your relationship status, don’t succumb to the dictates of a pressure holiday. Instead, do what feels right for you and your situation.
Don’t Sweat It
If you’re single on Valentine’s Day don’t sweat it! Like everything else in life, it’s not about what life throws in your direction – it’s how you show up and respond to those events. We are here to remind you that your current romantic status is not a definition of your self-worth – not during Valentine’s season – not ever.
To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.
– Oscar Wilde
If you are the type who gets excited about the holiday regardless of your relationship status – good on you! Perhaps you have the polar opposite reaction – that it’s nothing more than a “Hallmark holiday,” an ancient tradition that’s been hijacked by commercial interests. Or do you rest somewhere in between?
If the holiday gives you any ounce of angst or annoyance, we say – Don’t Sweat It!
Be Your Own Valentine
Instead, reframe the holiday as an opportunity to express the love and care you feel for others. That includes everyone – family, friends, colleagues, and primarily, your Self.
Make this Valentine’s Day (hey – even the whole month of February if you’re feeling it) a time for self-care and personal romance. Put you and your loved ones in the forefront. It’s ok to spoil yourself here and there!
We must fall in love with ourselves. I don’t like myself. I love myself!
– Mae West
Turn off any judgement you are harboring about yourself. Your self-esteem should never be determined by whether or not you have a significant other in your life.
If you haven’t met the someone you want to call your Valentine, or if you’re currently in such an early stage of a budding relationship that it’s premature to be celebrating the 14th, then we ask you to join us in celebrating “Galentine’s Day” on February 13th! If you’ve never heard of it, Galentine’s Day is an occasion to celebrate your relationships with your best girlfriends and yourself. It’s a day to show appreciation for the women in your life – the ones who are always there for you, no matter what.
The first person you need to love is yourself. And more than anything, we want you to take care of you! We want to help you remember to appreciate and celebrate all the meaningful connections and love you have in your life.
Take the Don’t Sweat It Challenge!
In the six days leading up to Valentine’s Day, we challenge you to spread your love wide. Don’t hold back! Each day focus on yourself and your loved ones. Ready to take the #DontSweatIt Challenge?
Day 1: Sunday, February 9: Secure dinner plans with girlfriends for Galentine’s Day – February 13. Make a group reservation at your favorite restaurant, or organize a potluck at your home or at a friend’s.
Day 2: Monday, February 10: Grab your beverage of choice and your favorite goodies and binge watch some of your favorite rom com movies.
Day 3: Tuesday, February 11: There is nothing like being pampered to help boost your spirits. Treat yourself to a mani-pedi, or a trip to the spa.
Day 4: Wednesday, February 12: Indulge yourself with a long, luxurious bubble bath. Turn off your phone! Set the mood with some scented candles and a glass of bubbly, if that’s your thing.
Day 5: Thursday, February 13, Galentine’s Day!: Remember that evening you planned back on Sunday? It’s time to celebrate! Enjoy hanging out with your girlfriends and treasure this time with your crew.
Day 6: Friday, Valentine’s Day: Be a Single Valentine! Spread your love. Call, text, or email the people in your life who mean the most to you. Tell them that they’ve touched your heart and that you care about them. Remember that you are not alone on Valentine’s Day. Look in the mirror and remember that you are enough – you are deserving of enduring love. Then give yourself lots of it!
We want to hear from you! What are some of your favorite ways to celebrate yourself? Accepting the #DontSweatIt Challenge? Update us in the comments section below, or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter, on how it’s going. What are your plans for Galentine’s Day?
I love this! How can we really care for anyone else unless we care for ourselves first, right?! I’m getting together with my lovely sister tonight, and I am really looking forward to it. Thanks for the encouraging story!