Valentine’s Day is undoubtedly upon us! Love-themed commercials are airing; local pharmacies are inundated with heart-shaped plush toys and endless aisles of chocolate boxes. “Love” is practically being shoved into our faces.
There is nothing wrong with celebrating love. After all, love is an essential piece of humanity. However, Valentine’s isn’t always the most inclusive to single moms.
February 14 has made it a point to appeal to couples, leaving single mothers wondering how they fit in this day. Well, at least that’s been the narrative that some have adopted. But, not this year. This year we are taking back Valentine’s Day, with or without a Valentine. And it will be glorious!
Take note of the following things you can do to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a love-filled mother.
Get together with your single friends!
Create your Galentine Day! Celebrate with your closest friends. Let’s remove the misconception that Valentine’s Day is made only for couples (whether they are happy or not). Instead, let’s bask in the love that our friends can offer. Pop open a bottle of wine (or a two — no judging), bring out the charcuterie, and enjoy the benefits of unproblematic love.
Self love is the best love
You are a single mom. You are a rock star, a superhero, and your child’s greatest gift in one. Foolish are those who don’t see how amazing you are, but that’s beside the point. What you need to do is to take a moment to provide some love to yourself so that you can continue to surprise everyone with your superhuman capabilities.
Pamper yourself at home. Perhaps it can be early in the morning when you wake up. Make yourself a larger cup of coffee, put on some light music, and enjoy a few moments with yourself. Or, you can wait until nighttime to soak yourself in the tub while reading one of the many free books Kindle has to offer. The important thing is that you don’t forget to give yourself some self-care on the day designated for love.
Lean on familial love
One of the purest forms of love you’ll ever experience is the one with you and your child or children. The best love in this world can be filled with moments shared with them. Furthermore, celebrating Valentine’s Day together as a family will help them cultivate the holiday’s real meaning. So, scroll through Netflix, make some popcorn, and enjoy a love many sought after year-long — the love of family.
Just… be present chica!
Yes, you know that love flows through you and your everyday life, so there’s no need to overdo it for a Hallmark holiday.
Think of yourself as one of the lucky ones; you have the love of your child or children, friends, and of yourself. The other kind of love will come in no time! Until then, enjoy all the love around you at the moment.