I am pretty accustomed to being single on Valentine’s Day. Most years I don’t really think much about being single. And then during other Valentine’s Days past I had:
A few years when I was casually seeing someone, found myself to be “miraculously” on my own when Valentine’s Day rolled around, and then became a hot item again a few days later. Remember that book “He’s Just Not That Into You”? Yep. Here’s your sign.
A few bitter years.
A few lonely years.
A few years where I was the “coupled up” girl and received flowers from great guys.
Valentine’s Day 2019 comes after a personally brutal January 2019. It’s been tough to process, let alone put into words.
My brutal month involved removing a few toxic people from my life whom I still love but had to separate myself from for my own mental health and self respect.
Simply reaching these decisions was messy, as I had to come to these conclusions on my own. And I am the person who often has to push the envelope one more time, test my boundaries one more time, to get to that point of saying, “enough.” This naturally had a ripple effect on others outside of the situations.
Thankfully my friends and family who know me best and love me unconditionally were able to give me enough rope, stand just within reach, and trust that I would find my internal strength to do what needed to be done. For that I am eternally grateful.
We often think of Valentine’s Day and love in romantic terms, but I challenge all of us to think of it a little differently. We should also see it in terms of all of those who mean the most to us and stand beside us during thick and thin.
My best friends are my valentines.
My mom and stepdad are my valentines.
My siblings are my valentines.
And my nephew and nieces are most certainly my valentines.
Today my dogs are also my valentines.
This Valentine’s Day, I raise a glass to everyone in love, recovering from heartbreak, navigating through some tough stuff, finding peace in solitude, or anything in between.
You are loved. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Mel's Musings 