Take Back Valentine's Day

Yes, I know – merely mentioning this Hallmark Holiday to some results in sneers and eye-rolling, while others simply feel sad and left out, or perhaps pressured to make precisely the right purchase to prove their devotion to a sweetheart. I’ve certainly experienced all three of those reactions myself, most often the sneering and eye-rolling and ranting about how stupid and made-up this little holiday is. In recent years, though, I’ve had something of a change of heart; I still despise the consumerism and the pressure and the showcasing of romantic love as though it were the only kind – but at the core I think there might be something fundamentally important, or at least beautiful, about making sure to celebrate love in the midst of some of the darkest and dreariest days of the year.

Don’t get me wrong here – there is still no need for blood diamonds, pesticide-drenched flowers, or unfair-trade chocolate. There is still no need to exclude the single or to limit your love to your partner instead of letting it shine to the whole world. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or even have a lover to have a fantastic February celebration of love! Here are some of my ideas:

• Write yourself a love letter. Detail all your glorious quirks and stunning capabilities. Celebrate your glorious creativity and accept your flaws. Bask in your own sweet love.
• Make Valentines! You don’t need a lover, great (or any) artistic skill, or perfect penmanship. Just gather up whatever supplies you can find, sit down, draw some hearts if you want, and maybe write a few words to your friends &/or parents &/or pets &/or great aunt &/or crush &/or whoever you like. You don’t have to say much, but I guarantee this little expression of affection will absolutely make the recipient’s day. If you really want to get creative you can incorporate embroidery, watercolors, glued-on macaroni, feathers, quotes about love – the sky’s the limit!
• Read some love poems. Rumi and Pablo Neruda are great starting points. Here are just a couple of my favorites:
  • The Cinnamon Peeler by Michael Ondaatje
  • Other Lives and Dimensions and Finally a Love Poem by Bob Hicok
  • The Problem with Skin by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
  • The Sun Never Says by Hafiz
• Bake mouth-watering cupcakes or delicious cookies and bring them into school or work or give them out to your pals. (Bonus points if they’re heart-shaped!)
• If you are a lady (or even an adventurous man), wear red, sparkles, pink, or anything with hearts. Dress up, paint your nails, accessorize fabulously!
• Write a list the people you love and the people who love you. Write another list of all the things about your life that you love. Reflecting on these things will surely make you smile.
• Surprise an old friend with an email, Facebook message, or text, just to let her know you’re thinking of her and hoping she’s enjoying her own celebration of love.
• Cook a beautiful dinner for yourself and maybe a partner or friend, if you want. Set the table, savor each bite, and discuss or muse about love until you’re blue in the face. Make a love playlist to enjoy during your meal (bitter brokenhearted songs are allowed too, if absolutely necessary).
• Whatever you do, don’t let the cynics get you down! Smile and offer them a cupcake instead, or ignore them altogether. You will have more fun than they will, I promise.

Love love, celebrate love, and most importantly give love – Valentine’s Day and every day!

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This guest post comes from Leeann Drees.  Leeann studies, works, plays, and dreams big dreams in Michigan.