Ever since I was a little girl I have had this fascination with Valentine’s day. A day all about celebrating love. Even as a child I loved romance. The heart decorations everyone, picking out the valentines you would give to your class at the Valentine’s party, heart shaped candies, and the idea that someone would proclaim their secret love for you, has always thrilled me. It was a no brainer when one of my long time mentors asked if she could throw me and my fiancé an engagement party last Saturday. Of course the theme was Valentine’s day and love. Hearts everywhere, strawberries, a few silly games and both of our immediate families and our bridal party. It was a great way to kick off Valentine’s week. So much love with some of the people who love us the most. It was also the real start of the wedding festivities. Next month will be the bridal shower, then the bachelorette party and then the big day! I love, love. I love being in love, I love romantic comedies, and I love all things heart shaped. February is a great month and a great reminder how important it is to tell people you love them.
Love songs on the radio and the non stop feeling of mushy gushy love wasn’t always fun when I was the only single girl in my twenties with friends who were all betrothed and posting online about their lovers. Now that I am engaged however, I really enjoy Valentine’s day. Some people are bitter and will call it a fake holiday and I get it. I used to be cynical and in many ways, I still am. I am a real and I don’t like bullshit. However, day to day life can be so hectic and stressful. I have starting working overtime at my job in the mornings and in the evenings. I feel like all I do is work and pay bills and try to plan my wedding in the small amount of free time I get in between. A day that makes you stop and celebrate the person you love is so nice. I enjoy shopping for cards for my man, going out to nice dinner, ordering a bottle of red wine and really spending time with him. Our time is usually filled with planning and talking about bills and other things we need to get done. I really value time that is just ours. We can talk about our dreams both big and small. The older I get the more time I want to just be with the people in my life who matter the most. You can enjoy Valentine’s day if you are single or in a relationship. Have a glass of wine, rent a movie, throw a party with your girlfriends, or take a bubble bath while eating chocolates. Celebrate you and the love you have for yourself! Self care is a form self love and it is so necessary. What makes you happy? Do it! February is a fun month but it doesn’t have to be all about romantic love. You can enjoy time with your family or friends or co-workers. You know you are loved and you know you love others in your life. Take this opportunity to tell them. Send them a card, shoot them a text, ask them to meet up for coffee so you can catch up on life.
My new mantra about enjoying life as it comes and trying to soak up every minute, (although cliché) is really starting to make a difference in my every day life. I am really focusing on living and not just rushing through things. Some days you cant help it. You are running around with no time to get things done and life seems out of control. I think that happens to all of us, however, I am working hard to be intentional with what I set out do at the start of the new year. Enjoying life as it comes instead of waiting for it to come. It is already here! And if you rush through, it will all pass you by. Cliché I know, but oh so true. Are you being intentional with your resolutions? If there anything you are setting out to do daily, weekly, or even monthly for yourself? Are you taking alone time when you need it? Do you have any fun hobbies? Are you seeing your friends enough? Be sure to check in with yourself and spread some love this month. Whether it is to someone you know, or even someone you don’t. We could all use a little more love in our lives.
JustJessica 