IF YOU'RE READING THIS, IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIND A VALENTINE
Oh Valentine’s Day - the day of love, ultimate romance, tiny chocolate hearts & enough roses to fill the gapping hole in your icy cold heart left there by the previous 364 days spent alone. I know it's been more than a hot minute since big ol' V Day, but there was something truly special about this year - & no cupid didn't bring me a boyfriend.
To be honest, I've never been one to fuss over this particular holiday. This was mainly due to the fact that I’ve been absolutely single for my entire life - unless you'd like to count a young high school relationship where my lack of reply left a poor boy emotionally scarred when the words “I love you" left his mouth & mine stayed completely shut.
Over the course of my twenty years, my experience in the whole love & relationship department has been little to none. That girl attached at the hip with a new guy like every week...yeah she’s not me. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of love, I'm a huge sucker for a classic love story & rom-coms are my #1 Netflix go-to, I just have yet to find someone that will actually stick around...or that makes me want to. The idea that there's such a thing as the right person, or even a right now person for that matter, has got me questioning how the hell people do it? All I can really know for sure is that every year on February 14th, I find myself with one thing - ME !!!
Now, this isn’t just some sad, single girl's cry for attention. This right here is a bouquet of red roses, an entire heart shaped box of chocolates & a heartfelt love letter to that special someone - a valentine. This year I choose me.
Since my move out East, I’ve had a lot of time to spend with myself. As I knew less than a handful of people upon my arrival, I had gotten used to doing things on my own & people watching had become an extremely popular pass time. During this time, I’ve gotten to get to know me quite well. Being my own company became easier as the time flew by, with every new outing, meal & little adventure, I began to enjoy the solo time with my own thoughts. A little coffee date with myself has turned into one of my most precious activities. Who knew solitude could be so comforting (YAY INTROVERTS)!
But how much time do you actually spend with yourself? ...like completely alone, not on your phone - just you, your thoughts & the world around you. Within that time, how much of it is actually spent on yourself in a non-judgemental, loving way? Wouldn't it be wonderful if we treated ourselves the way we would treat a loved one, a partner, a friend - a Valentine?
The idea of waiting a lifetime for that special someone to complete us, to accept us, to validate us & to care for us has been engrained in our minds since the day we first popped out. It's a beautiful idea...so why do we wait at all? We literally have someone right there.
U R THE 1 U'VE BEEN WAITING 4!
No more waiting. No more leaving yourself on "read". No more bullshit.
Loving yourself is no game. But there are some rules.
How to be your own fucking Valentine:
(TWENTY FOUR SEVEN, THREE SIX FIVE)
1. Pamper yourself - Sweets & gifts are necessary.
2. Flowers - Buy them. Enjoy them. Plant them if you like.
3. Create a special occasion - Just for you. You are the guest of honour. Make it worthwhile. You are worth it.
4. Make a bomb ass playlist - Listen to some feel good tunes. Have a dance party in your kitchen. With no pants on. If that's what you're into.
5. Bring out your favourite pair of shoes - Wear literally anything that makes you feel you're best. Dress the fuck up for you. Clearly this rule is my favourite.
6. Show kindness - No one is a bitch to their Valentine. That's against the rules.
7. Love yourself - Unconditionally, if you can. You are the only YOU you've got. Handle with care.
Valentine's Day isn't just a day. It's a reminder to take a moment in honour of love. Appreciate all of the love that surrounds you, spread love to those that come into your life, & allow it to turn your insides a little more pink & sparkly (& your hair a little more peachy).
Let the love in.
Give yourself the love you so quickly give out to others - you are deserving of it all.
Say "yes" to the chance at a lifetime of happiness - your words can create it.
Let the love in - even if it's coming from that one chick you spend way too much time with.
Treat each day as if it was Valentine's Day - be yours.
xx C
P.S. The delay on this entry came from some challenges with finding the right photos to accompany the story. I was SO set on putting together some fun V Day looks embellished with heart shaped candies, big red sunnies & flowers everywhere. But as the day drew near, & schedules collided, I decided to search for some inspiration elsewhere. The photos incorporated in "Be Mine." are from one of my favourite shoots done back in BC. My friend Max & I did this shoot right after I shaved my head. As this look was still very much new (& a little alien-like too!) it was definitely nice to see my bald head as a beautiful trademark. I'm learning a little more each day to embrace my alien-ness, my quirks, my thoughts, my views, my company, my love - me.
xx
PHOTOGRAPHY: MAX KOPAS @ihatepolyester
OUTFIT ANTHEM: BE MY BABY - THE RONETTES
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV5tgZlTEkQ
OUTFIT DETAILS:
TENNIS SKIRT - AMERICAN APPAREL
TOMMY HILFIGER BRALETTES - URBAN OUTFITTERS
GUESS JEANS - THRIFTED @ VALUE VILLAGE
DENIM JACKET - FROCK & FELLOW
DENIM HEELS - FROCK & FELLOW
SNEAKERS - THRIFTED @ VALUE VILLAGE
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