Is it Narcissistic to Be Your Own Valentine for Valentine's Day?

I think not. Instead, I believe it's an amazing opportunity to celebrate love in its most basic form, since loving oneself is the cornerstone of every healthy relationship-romantic or otherwise. The hype surrounding the greeting card version of Valentine's Day often times leaves those without significant others feeling rather insignificant themselves. For those in a relationship, there is so much pressure placed on one partner to "prove" he/she really loves their partner by the extravagance or inventiveness of their gift. The real meaning of true love gets lost in the materialistic shuffle. (Gee that sounds a lot like Excessmas, um I mean Christmas-but I digress).

This year, I decided not to focus on my previous disdain for the usual Valentine pomp and circumstance, and celebrate ME.  I have spent the last year or so deep in the recesses of my mind, plucking out the weeds of my "soul garden" (as Chris Witecki so aptly describes on Soul Garden.TV) and I have fallen completely in love with the woman I have become as a result of the choices, challenges and changes I've experienced in my life. Seems like a celebration of my new attitude of gratitude is in order! And honestly, for the first time ever, I actually am not bothered or offended by the hype. Perhaps it is partly due to the fact that celebration is in the air, following the miracle in Egypt. For me personally, it has been a beautiful thing to watch-a peaceful, strong demonstration for change. Since being accepted as a postulant with the World Community of St. Francis, I have felt an even greater shift in my spirit, which has also brought me to a place of deeper love and peacefulness.

If I could ask St. Valentine for a wish, I would ask for each one of us to experience the gift of the love we so desperately desire. One which has never left us, but resides in each one of us always.  Accepting this self love, we would then be more confident in our receptivity to each other, which would create a ripple effect felt all around the world. We would be as One, a united humanity working toward the mutual goal of peace and sustainability for ALL. Seems like the people of Egypt got their wish this year...perhaps this is finally a true  sign of things to come, and an incredible opportunity for all of us to BE THE CHANGE.


Happy Valentine's Day, Everyone! Sending you lots of Love and Blessings♥