By: Diana Melendrez 10B
Sometimes in life there are some specific dates that make us (single) feel even lonelier than we already are. One of these dates is Valentine’s day and well, it is closer than it looks. It has happened to me that while being on February 14, seeing couples walking by, holding hands and being cuter than ever, I ask myself why is it that I don´t have a boyfriend… plus, I get sad. Last year this happened, but when I got home, with a handful of sweets to make my sadness drown in candies, I realized Valentine’s should not be an “only couples” day, and that if it were that way then I was going to date myself until the day was over. With this I mean there is no need of a boyfriend for Valentine’s - enjoying some time with yourself can also be a great way of celebrating love.
Having this in mind, my day was much brighter and for once I actually enjoyed Valentine’s day being single. However, having someone to celebrate with doesn’t sound bad at all. Anyways, turning this date into a good day has only three steps which are really necessary if you want to make your 14th of February amazing.The first step is preparing yourself for the day. It can start by telling yourself you’re okay and thinking about all your positive traits, or thinking of good moments you remember. For example, I always try to remember a moment in which I was sitting in a park just thinking about life when suddenly, out of nowhere, a dog came running towards me. Considering I’m in love with dogs, I took this event as a perfect moment of happiness, and it is one of those episodes I like to remember to make myself happier when I’m feeling kind of blue. The point about this is that you feel right, that it doesn’t feel like you are alone; instead, you feel alright and empowered. For some, feeling beautiful is a way of feeling ok with themselves, so do not be afraid of taking out that avocado and honey mask you have been saving because this is the moment to use it!
The second step consists of a bucket list. It may sound weird, but it has been scientifically proven that making a list of the things you want to do boosts the desire of making them real. Try to make them more about yourself, and goals that will make you feel better. Something to get you inspired could be listening to your favorite songs, but if you don’t really know what to listen to I can recommend you to listen to a playlist in Spotify named “empowering women songs” by Laura Pilkington. I promise it will make you feel as if you had the world in your hands. This step is important for you to realize that you can actually do things for yourself, and it will distract your mind from other problems.
And, the last step is the best one. Do things you love doing even if it means binge watching Netflix all day long, eating huge chocolate bars, Face Timing your best friend for hours or even going for a walk. Do whatever you enjoy, and be happy; that’s the most important thing. Do not lock yourself in, or drown your emotions. You should be able to celebrate love, and love isn’t always in someone else. It can be found in one’s self, and in the things we do. So, this is the time for you to stand up and tell yourself you are fine, that you love yourself, and to make sure this Valentine’s day is celebrated by knowing love is everywhere, even in the simplest things, and in the smallest coincidences life brings into you.
