Now What?!

I would be remiss in not acknowledging the day in mid-February that turns stores pink, purple, and red. One can assume Valentine’s Day is a retailer’s dream since this is how folks show their love for one another. . . through candies, cards, jewelry, balloons and flowers, to name a few. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t begrudge sweethearts their fun in celebrating each other on this special day. I do, however, think it doesn’t need to be just this particular day. To take it a step further, romantic love isn’t the only kind of love to be celebrated Feb. 14.

Love can be celebrated toward your children, your parents, your friends or even yourself! I am going to hone in on the last option and how this single gal puts a spin on the most romantic day of the year. Why can’t we do something sweet for ourselves to show love? I’ve had a few years now to celebrate this way and I’ve decided to lean into the curve instead of resisting. The following suggestions skew feminine a little, but hopefully they transcend gender.

No. 1 – Treat yourself!
If you are anything like me, you are budget-conscious and tend to make extras for yourself the first to be cut. Get the venti handcrafted beverage at Starbucks. Grab a cocktail at a local happy hour. Have a homemade dessert from Shindygz in the heart of the city – big enough for two but take home your leftovers to enjoy another time! Calories don’t count on Valentine’s Day. . . I’m pretty sure I’ve read that somewhere.

No. 2 – Get pampered
Even if you don’t have a reason to get dolled up, create one. Make an appointment to get your hair done or to get a manicure or pedicure. While you are there, get something waxed; no judgment as to what you choose that to be. You can even just take a long shower with a nice spa like body wash or enjoy a bubble bath, if that is your thing.

No. 3 – Me time
Set aside some uninterrupted me time to browse a bookstore or even a used music store; there are several of both throughout Henrico alone! When we aren’t just in and out of these stores in a hurry, the experience is completely different. Just looking through bookshelves or record bins (vinyl still exists) can transport us to a different time conjuring up memories we don’t generally take the time to enjoy. There are some great bargains too; no one said ‘me time’ has to be costly.

No. 4 – Get your culture on
When I go to a museum with my son or even friends, I am at the mercy of what they find interesting or when they are ready to leave. I suggest checking some out on your own and doing it without time restraints. Again, there are so many options within Richmond no matter if your interests are art focused or pop culture, literature, national or Virginia history or strictly educational. Sometimes, I love taking my time driving through the city to enjoy the murals which collectively might as well be a museum showcase.

No. 5 – Namaste
Find some time to get centered. Perform silent meditation in your own home or find a local yoga or pilates class to join for the day. I love the idea of finding a quiet spot in the park but my attention span doesn’t stay focused for long in those instances. One of my favorite ‘centering’ spots is the Cathedral of Sacred Heart on the VCU campus. It’s generally open to the public any time of day and has all sorts of nooks to the side for self reflection. For me personally, it isn’t about the religion itself but what it represents. My two grandmothers were the most devout Catholics in my life, and when I am in cathedrals (more so than churches), I am able to feel their energy. This is what feeds my spiritual soul but I certainly wouldn't hinder anyone from finding what feeds yours.

To summarize, the possibilities to be your own valentine are endless. Buy yourself flowers to make your home festive. Go to a movie that no one wants to see but you. Turn on some music through your bluetooth speakers that soothe you. Regardless of what you choose to do, make it a day all about yourself as a reminder of how much you are loved on Valentine’s Day and beyond.