Do you remember when you were a kid, and you had to make that V-Day DIY shoe box with a little slit on the top for school? The box you leave at the edge of your table so your fellow classmates can drop off their Power Rangers “You Rock” card with a single ‘conversation candy heart’, attached in tape, to it?
I remember my excitement SO vividly, and the reason why it was so fun for me was because:
1. I could do a craft that has a clear chosen theme. LOVE. Did I know what that meant at age 7? I sure did. It meant that I could pour my happiness and joy into little notes, eat candy until my stomach hurt, and daydream of my classmates smiles when they receive my mediocre craft card.
2. I would realize that upon opening my shoe box at the end of the day; going through everyones’s cards, and taking the tape off of each singular candy and shoving it in my mouth; that as much as I loved everyones little “XO” note, I really enjoyed the leading up to it part. I.e. The time I got to spend with myself daydreaming of my crushes and adding the finishing touches on my foam heart-layers I glued on the box.
As I got older, I realized there was an entire uncomfortable connotation of the holiday that includes overconsumption, amongst other toxic ideals. However, my love for “love”, and spending time with myself during this holiday remain. I enjoy the reminder that love is important - as simple as that. There are so many ways to sit with this emotion and celebrate it, and I find it amazing.
Also, the cool thing about this holiday is that each year, you will ALWAYS spend Valentine’s Day with yourself, no matter who else you share your life with, so why not celebrate you? What a great excuse! Every year looks a little different for me as I change as a person. One year, I had a paint night where I wear clothes that make me feel classy, pour myself a glass of cherry juice, turn on some jazz and paint whatever I wanted, followed by a solo dance party.
This year, I am not sure exactly what I will do. I will be celebrating love with my sweet man in the evening but before that I will shower myself with a few things that I will list below! :
Local Florist: I love going to my local florist and purchasing flowers. The act of bringing them home, finding the perfect vase, and then finding a corner that it will bring life to feels really dreamy! (photo found on Pinterest by Lori Panossian)
Breast massage: This is something I have learned in the past couple years, but breast massaging is hands down the easiest way to be grateful for your body and what it is capable of. I believe our bodies, and specific parts of our body need tender, love and care. There is no better way to show that than by spending 5-10 minutes honoring your boobies. The massage oil I use is Castor Oil and Living Libations Breast Massage Oil . I will do 5 minutes with the castor and then I will add the Living Libations oil on top. I will not take any of the oil off, and instead I will use these breast packs to a cotton bra and let the oil sink in for an hour. For general instruction on how to breast massage, here is a video! Although I think intuitively massaging is also important as long as you are practicing care and not being too harsh.
Dress how you want: Whether I want to wear all sweats, a corset, or a godamn gown. I make sure I feel full permission to do so. It will definitely depend on waking up and taking time to think about colors and the fit that will make me most happy, but this is important.
Matcha: I know I have matcha many mornings but there is something about setting the intention for a special day with your favorite beverage that changes the whole mood of it. It’s the small things ya know?
Chocolate covered strawberries : I don’t care if this is cliche, I make myself chocolate covered strawberries EVERY year. One year I made them for myself and some friends, and couldn’t wait to give them away and eat them and my roommate ate most of them while I was at work and when I came home, I kid you not, I was AGHAST. The audacity, am I right?
Quiet moment: Whether I make myself some hot tea, have a tea ceremony, or just sit on the couch and stare into space, a quiet moment is important. I love carving out some time to just sit with myself. These rare moments are some of the few moments that my consciousness, the feeling of existence and presence opens me up like French doors. I know I should do this everyday, but I don’t and making the space to is a great reminder.
Honey face mask: I love making a honey face mask! I typically make my own with all the yummy things I have at home like honey, rose powder, jojoba oil, yogurt etc.. however I received THIS face mask as a gift, and it is divine! I will definitely be using this one this year.
I love honey face masks! Yoghurt is also a fave, I even use it as a moisturiser