Happy Valentine's Day!

This may be a holiday you look forward to or one that you dread. But Saint Valentine has taught me more from this holiday, then any amount of chocolate or Valentine's Day card could.

While I've spent the last 19, going on 20 years of my life without that 'special someone' to spend the day with, it can make the day seem to drag on forever. Filled with people receiving gifts from their loved ones, and the smell of love in the air, I won't deny it makes me a little upset and sad.

But then I reflect. Do I really need someone to make me happy? No. Do I need to be showered with chocolate and gifts to know I'm loved by someone? No. And I realize that this day is going to be okay because I know that I have people that love me and care for me, more than just on this one single day.

I may be alone, but I am certainly not lonely.

This is something I have learned about myself a couple of years ago. Don't get me wrong I love being around people, like my family and friends, but I also love being alone. Getting to know myself for who I am. Having quality me time.

So when Valentine's Day rolls around every year I remember that the chocolate assortments and stuffed teddy bears aren't what this day is about. Knowing this I'm okay with being alone because I know who I am, who I love and who loves me.

As this day continues, with hearts and love everywhere you look remember that this shouldn't be the only day you let your loved ones know you love them. They should know that every day they're loved.

And if you're spending this day without a boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife just take some time to reflect on you. Know that the most important person that has to love you is you. Because as I'm sure you've heard this before, you must love yourself first before anyone else can love you.

So thank you, Saint Valentine, for allowing me to realize that at times when I feel alone among a sea of couples that my self-worth and self-love is more than the person standing next to me.