Valentine's Day conjures up mixed emotions in my mind. While I like the idea of a distinct day for couples to pay homage to their love, I also find myself feeling as if too much attention is poured into this occasion. Personally, if the love is real and the bond is tight everyday should be Valentine's Day. No, it's not a cliche - it's the honest truth.

Furthermore, what about single individuals? Are they supposed to feel inferior because they don't have an I ain't tryin' ta loose mine person to celebrate? I remember when I was single and dateless and there was this unspoken vibe between myself and The Taken that sometimes made me feel less-than because I wasn't receiving gifts and affirmations of love Valentine's Day. While I understand that singles can send gifts to mom (that's what Mother's Day is for), dad (that's what Father's Day is for) or good friends, it's not the same as the Valentine's exchange between couples. Y'all know what I mean so stop faking the funk. LOL

I was talking to my B.F.F. (blogging friend forever) Nikki @Blasian Baby Notes about a lady I spoke to while working for one of my clients. She had placed an order for Valentine's flowers to herself. I thought it was odd and I asked her if she had really meant to place the order to herself or was this an error. She confidently answered that she had fully intended the flowers for herself. She explained that she isn't attached to anyone, but that being single doesn't mean she can't celebrate this auspicious occasion.

She then said something that really resonated with me. She said that real love comes from self-love. Until a person truly loves and accepts himself or herself for whom he or she is created to be, they can't have a genuine exchange of love with someone else. I absolutely love this philosophy and it's so true. She recounted that for years she would feel so worthless if at Valentine's Day she didn't have someone special to share it with. One day it dawned on her that she was living her life to give love to others, but yet she never took time to love herself. Unless someone was telling or showing her that she was worthy of appreciation, then she didn't know how to appreciate herself from the inside out.

Powerful message my friends. Real love does start with self love. We, and I mean women in particular since we are such emotional creatures, need to develop a genuine fondness for ourselves. What have you done for you, lately? I'm not taking about me-time, although you can use that time to love up on yourself too. What I'm referring to is finding a special moment to write, tell, express how wonderful it is to be you - you fearfully and wonderfully created you. Did you tell yourself "Happy Valentine's Day" this year? If you didn't, it's not too late to start loving and appreciating you. It's a work in progress for me - but I'm getting there. I think I'm aiight. LOL

image: google images