Love

Fun Fact: According to an annual survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, the average shopper was expected to shell out an average of $196.31 for Valentine’s Day this year, with total spending being $27.4 billion. That is A LOT of money!!

Now I want you to know I am in no way, shape or form anti-Valentine’s Day. I LOVE love, it’s a beautiful and amazing thing! I do however think it’s to note that despite Valentine’s Day’s appearance of being a holiday that typically focuses on romantic partnerships, love can be experienced in so many other ways. 

To be honest, I had gotten so caught up on the thought of my future spouse that my desire to secure a romantic relationship caused me to downplay and overlook the other forms of love I had; be it from friends and family or even myself. I’ve learned that although a romantic relationship is not my current reality, I’m surrounded by love on a daily basis and was blessed enough to experience different forms of love the entire week leading up to Valentine’s Day! 

Just like a marriage takes work and needs to be nurtured, so do all other relationships. Plan a lunch date with someone you haven’t seen in a while, call a family member just to check-in, offer kind words to someone on your job or do something for yourself to make you happy!

While Valentine’s Day has come and gone, the opportunity to feel and experience love is always present. Intentionally look for moments to show and express love and be open to receiving love from others. Love is not the presence of a romantic relationship but is always around if you keep your eyes and heart open for it.