A Different Way to Celebrate

Many people have come to believe that Valentine’s Day is a total rip off - a holiday created by big businesses in order to make money. I agree, many companies have capitalized on this holiday in an attempt to take advantage of the fool in love - to try to make us believe that in order to show love, you have to spend money. Don’t get me wrong, I love to get a nice gift, but this holiday is not - and should not - be all about spending money on those you love. Whether you’re happily taken, the most single you’ve ever been, or your Facebook status reads “It’s Complicated”, you will probably enjoy this playlist. But, this playlist is for the one’s out there who are enjoying their own company this year.

At its essence, Valentine’s Day is a day about love. And love does not come in just one form. There are so many loves. The non-romantic love, the family love, the head-over heels kind of love, the new love, old love, and my favorite - self love. I understand if you’re jaded by love, broken-hearted, or hopeless. We’ve all been then - I know I have anyway. Even though I am single (happily so), I still like to use this day as an excuse to slow down and to feel love. This year, I am making some much needed time for myself. To do some things I love. This playlist is full of songs that make me feel good, happy, and/or relaxed. And throughout the day, these are the songs that will be playing.

I started this morning slowly. I woke up a little earlier than normal, put on my robe, and went to the couch to watch a movie. After the movie, I moved to the kitchen to make pancakes for me and a small one for each of my dogs. I also made a yummy fruit smoothie. This playlist in the background, as I danced around the kitchen in my robe. After breakfast, I spent some time cleaning up. As much as it can seem like a chore, I try to enjoy cleaning. Always keeping in mind that I work and function best in a tidy space. And with music on, it seems like more fun than it actually is.

As I write this, I have it playing as well. It’s long enough to last much of the day. No matter which activities you plan for yourself today. A walk, a hike, a nap, or working on a new hobby. I believe that taking time today (or any day) to honor yourself and to be grateful for everything you have is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself - and to the world.

At the end of the day, you can put it on and listen with headphones, while laying down to relax for a bit if you’re feeling low energy. Listening to music in headphones is one of my favorite things when I have the time for it. Hearing music unencumbered by outside noise makes me feel like I am surrounded by the music and I can hear more sounds and different instruments than usual.

Before bed, you can draw yourself a bubble bath. I do not take as many baths as I would like to, but I am going to use this day as an excuse - an excuse to take the best care of myself in the ways that make me feel special and loved. I love when the bubbles get a little too high and you’re completely covered in them. I sometimes even still grab the bubbles and put them on my head, like I did as a child. To pretend I have a hat on. The scent of the bubble bath and oils accompanied by the nice music and relaxing warm water is sure to take away any stress you’ve been feeling - even if just for thirty minutes.

No matter what you do today, I would say try not to dwell so much on the fact that people are coupled up and celebrating their love together while you are not. But instead, remember that you are enough and that sometimes self-love is the best kind of love.