Me, My Valentine

This song is totally unrelated to what I'm saying, but it sure gives me a Valentines Day kinda feeling.

The other day I was talking to my gym buddy on the phone. I told her I didn't really want to be seen at the gym on Valentine's Day, because then people would "know" I was single. Not long after our conversation, I thought, "How ridiculous!" For one thing, a lot of people exercising at the gym on Valentine's Day are probably single, too. There's nothing wrong with showing off the goods to guys who might be looking, right? For another thing, spending the evening with someone on Valentine's Day does not always indicate a good and lasting relationship.

Last year, I had an amazing, romantic Valentine's Day, but you know what? The guy I shared that night with is no longer a part of my life. He was there for a fleeting moment in the grand sweep of my life, and I am the one who remains here with me. And, so, I decided I would be my own Valentine this year. I clothed myself in a pretty dress, and I called myself lovely. I brought in Valentines for my coworkers, and they deemed me both dorky and sweet. I treated myself to salted caramel (most of which I shared with my workmates - their responses made the candy less difficult to give away) and a night at the gym. I worked hard - I built muscles, burned calories, and sweated the volume of Lake Michigan. Hoo! I was glistening by the time I finished! I feel glorious, to be perfectly honest. I would much rather treat my solo self right on Valentine's Day than be in another relationship where the guy I am with isn't fully committed to me or our relationship every other day of the year.

Now, maybe next year I will be engaged in a different kind of cardiovascular activity than I was tonight, and you won't hear me complain. For this year, however, putting effort into myself was the best way I could have spent my day. A day that empasizes love is fine by me, and couldn't we all spend a little more time loving ourselves?

Now, I'm going to seal the deal with a hot bath and a good book, but before I go, I want to know - How did you love yourself today?*

XOXO,

Alison :)

*You can interpret that in any which way you want. ;)