You Are Loved
Today is Valentine’s Day but for many, it’s not a day of love and happiness but a total drag. I was never a fan of V day for this reason – it simply isn’t fair to those who haven’t found their valentine (yet). And big deal if you have a true love in your life or not, right? Having someone on your arm doesn’t define who YOU are. For this reason, I want to dedicate this post to all of my readers – those who have a valentine today and those who are simply thinking, “I really need a lot of cocktails to get through this”. I want to let you know that you are loved SO MUCH. Someone out there, if not many someones, love you loads and loads appreciate having you in their life. Like me.
I have some friends going through some pretty rough divorces currently and today isn’t their favorite holiday and some of them are going out and partying with their girlfriends (YES! Do it!) and others are simply at home feeling like something is wrong with them because they lost their marriage. Don’t assume that everyone partnered is getting roses and chocolates and having hot sex tonight. Honestly, I’m married and I’m cooking lasagna and having over my mother-in-law and her 60+ year old friends over for dinner and a piano concert afterwards. Nothing hot or Fifty Shades about that.
So anyway, a big hug to ALL OF YOU. You rock. You are loved. And I’ll see you tomorrow for some lovely posts and some really good news too!
xo
Holly
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February 14th, 2013 at 4:23pm
For me this day is not about boyfriends/girlfriends, hot dates, sex and roses. It’s a day of one of our (catholics’) Saints. For others it’s more about romance etc. Maybe this day should be perceived in more dimentional way? Any way, one way or the other, it’s certainly about you did: taking care of others! Happy Today, Holly!
February 14th, 2013 at 4:37pm
Nice post. I have a friend going through a rough divorce, too, so I’ll definitely pass this on!
ShellHawk´s last [type] ..All Because of a Beheading!
February 14th, 2013 at 4:37pm
I think the day is about LOVE of all kinds, not only romantic love. My co-workers, family & friends all get special texts, calls & treats today because they are special to me. I’ve never associated V-Day with dirty deeds and flowers either, so that helps. Haha.
Janelle @ Two Cups of Happy´s last [type] ..last-minute washi tape valentines (for the young at heart)
February 14th, 2013 at 4:49pm
Well Holly that makes me very curious… I am sure to check in tomorrow to read your really good news! For now: have a lovely evening.
Haikje´s last [type] ..Happy Valentine!
February 14th, 2013 at 4:52pm
Hi Holly, happy valentine’s day to you and your readers. I think the same: today is the day of love and I love my parents, my friends, my boyfriens and I like to give them my attentions and my heart.
xoxo
Giò´s last [type] ..Be my Valentine
February 14th, 2013 at 5:00pm
Perfect post for today!!! I didn’t marry until “late” in life and was single on many Valentine’s Day so I can totally relate. So important that we fall in love with ourselves first and to remember that we are loved! xo
Silky Hart´s last [type] ..Vision Board Workshop
February 14th, 2013 at 5:03pm
Happy Valentine’s Day!! What a lovely print and awesome reminder!
Chloe Moon´s last [type] ..Happy Valentine’s Day!!
February 14th, 2013 at 5:16pm
Thank you so much for this post, Holly. I really needed it. I am married but definitely not having a romantic day. My husband has yet to even wish me a Happy Valentine’s Day! I’m sure I won’t get anything or do anything special (he never makes reservations – we have 3 kids) but this shouldn’t stop me from feeling the love from everyone else in my life. Heck – I may even have a secret admirer that unknowingly sends me love everyday! Thanks for being such a beautiful light in a world sometimes shrouded in darkness. YOU are VERY loved! xxoo
Liz´s last [type] ..I won! – Book Giveaway from 30s Magazine
February 14th, 2013 at 5:25pm
Thanks for writing this post. I’m one of the ones who hasn’t found her valentine yet so this felt like a well-timed hug.
February 14th, 2013 at 5:37pm
Thank you Holly for such an awesome post. I am going through a divorce right now, and I have been dreading today for weeks. It seems like everywhere I look Valentines Day is everywhere. Its not so much the idea that everyone is going to have hot dates tonight as much as the fact that I am reminded that for the first time in 10 years I am not with my husband. Your words are very encouraging and exactly what I needed to hear this morning. There is something very important to be said about loving yourself and realizing that there are so many people in our lives who love us. Loving ourselves is the most important kind of love, so I intend on doing my best to celebrate that today.
February 14th, 2013 at 6:08pm
Ive been married for six years and tonight we are ordering one the those heart shaped pizzas and having dinner with our kid :) simple but valentines themed. Nothing too special but still sweet to spend time with our child.
Tanya´s last [type] ..The Best WordPress Anti-Spam Plugins for 2012-2013
February 14th, 2013 at 6:43pm
Thanks for this post. I’m going through a divorce and am actually having a pretty great day celebrating those friends and family that have rallied around me, but I know this is a hard day for a lot of people. Thanks for recognizing those of us who aren’t out on dates– I promise to make it a good day :) Happy V Day to you too!
Audrey´s last [type] ..Celebrate.
February 14th, 2013 at 6:58pm
This is a really sweet and thoughtful post. Thank you!
February 14th, 2013 at 7:16pm
Hello Holly,
I totally agree with you on this post. You said it just the way it is.
Have a wonderful day!
Gabriela
Gabriela´s last [type] ..Happy Valentine’s Day! I had to show you what I got…loving it…
February 14th, 2013 at 8:23pm
To me V-day is not just about the love for my love ;-) It is about the love I feel for my family and friends as well.
You made me curious about the good news. Will check back tomorrow!
Have a nice evening!
Marianne´s last [type] ..Valentine’s Day
February 14th, 2013 at 8:33pm
Sounds like you’ll have a fun evening with your family! Nothing wrong at all with getting together with family on valentine’s day.
February 14th, 2013 at 8:43pm
Hi Holly.
For me VDay has moved from the soppiness of staring into another’s eyes over an over priced dinner. As a celebration of love we need to concede that true love is often a selfless act. Selfless is saying no to the self and that can hurt. True love gets real and has their mom-in-law AND her 60+ friends over for supper. The love offered by a bunch of red roses most often leaves one feeling empty and somehow unsettled. I am a fan of Valentines Day and the chocolates and the flowers only when the love is spread a little beyond ourselves. Thanks for a lovely blog.
Warmest
Tania
Tania´s last [type] ..The Story of a Tongue
February 14th, 2013 at 8:50pm
Thanks – I needed that! Happy Valentine’s to you, too!
Pamela
p.s. Website listed above is a work in progress – not ready for primetime, but am (right now) working on it!
February 14th, 2013 at 8:54pm
Happy Valentines Day Holly! Nice of you to share your luv with those that may not have a sweet heart! I always think of Valentines as a day to share your love with anyone you luv from your kids, to your family and your friends, not just your one and only. I often do a red themed supper and invite friends and family to celebrate. It’s also a fun & festive way to beat the mid February blues. Have a splendid day:)
February 14th, 2013 at 8:54pm
Holly, it’s not just about being with someone and definitely not about someone defining who you are.
I found these two posts I read today really great and you might enjoy the other point of view as well. Everybody has love in their life.
http://www.classic-play.com/parenting-its-about-love/
http://squirrellyminds.com/?p=5837
Giulia´s last [type] ..Valentine Chocolate Spoons
February 14th, 2013 at 8:56pm
Holly, this is just what I needed today. Thank you.
February 14th, 2013 at 8:59pm
You rock too, Holly!!!
February 14th, 2013 at 9:00pm
Happy Valentine’s Day to you, Holly and thanks for the sweet post. I don’t have a lovey-dovey valentine this year, but I’ll be spending the evening after work painting my living room, because I love myself and deserve to have a beautiful space! :)
Casey´s last [type] ..Happy Love Day!
February 14th, 2013 at 9:02pm
I do agree with you. I think on Valentine’s day is a chance to think oft all those beloved friends who make our every-day life much more agreeable and valuable.
Greetings Bettina
Bettina´s last [type] ..Wohnen und dekorieren
February 14th, 2013 at 9:06pm
Once more, you are right. Couldn’t agree more with you. Love ( in all shapes) should be celebrated everyday.
February 14th, 2013 at 9:11pm
Nice post, Holly! Yes, if you really have the right person in your life, you don’t need a DAY to celebrate – as long as you pay attention to the little things everyday. And so much PRESSURE on everyone if you DON’t currently have the right person in your life! Love how you are spending your day – my hubby and I are going to our favorite little hamburger joint – because that is us! Take care and enjoy the day everyone!
Kristin Johnsen´s last [type] ..Is it stamp worthy?
February 14th, 2013 at 9:18pm
I follow aLOT of design blogs. What a nice and surprising post. Totally agree with your sentiment. Wish I could have met my MIL. Happy V-Day to you.
February 14th, 2013 at 9:23pm
I’ll keep your friends in my thoughts. Tell them a random person on the internet wishes them the best of luck! Have a great V-Day with the in-laws!
February 14th, 2013 at 9:26pm
Thanks a lot….instead of you, I redound a little smile…
Xoxo
Edith
February 14th, 2013 at 9:38pm
How really, really lovely and so true! My husband and I have been married for nearly 24 years, and while we’re grateful for each other, we kinda feel that Valentine’s is a forced holiday to benefit retailers. Builds too much anticipation and often, consequently, disappointment. I hear of lots of groups of girls getting together for a “Gal-entine’s” celebration and think it’s a terrific idea! I say love all the great people in your life every day without pressure to feel like you have to have a romantic partner. To enjoy life, it’s not necessary!
Tracy´s last [type] ..Coastal Birds Tissue Box Cover by MakingHappy
February 14th, 2013 at 9:39pm
I expressed a similar notion in my blog Holly …
http://deeatthecarlton.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/true-love-is-not-just-one-day.html
I think love is too important to be left to just Valentine’s day – it is too easy to confuse the overt display with love & as you say, many are not able to celebrate & so it is a trying time.
I prefer to be thankful for the love when it is just done out of love …
Dee at the Carlton
Dee´s last [type] ..True love is not just one day ….
February 14th, 2013 at 9:44pm
Dear Holly,
brilliant, your post – completely agree!
Wish you a happy day with your family + friends,
Viviane
February 14th, 2013 at 10:07pm
This is the sweetest sentiment. I am single, so I’ll be at home enjoying my evening, as usual. I know that a lot of singles in the city will be getting together for singles’ night or getting together with their girlfriends. I am happy to be home alone doing the things that I love doing, and concentrating on making myself feel loved (by me).
Tazim @BeingTazim.com´s last [type] ..Is Love a Fancy or a Feeling? Happy Valentine’s Day
February 14th, 2013 at 10:09pm
My husband and I really don’t celebrate valentines day, we just know that we belong together, a kiss is totally enough for the day. I hope your night was super fun with your Mother in law and friends…………that’s REALLY showing your man how much you care!!
February 14th, 2013 at 10:20pm
Amen! Thanks for your wonderful so very truthful thoughts Holly!! Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 14th, 2013 at 10:39pm
Great post. I’m not big on Valentine’s either. When I was single, we used to get together with my best friend, cook a nice meal and watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy, extended edition. It was awesome and something we looked forward to every year (also, ah how wonderful to have 9 free hours to watch all those movies in a row!)
Marcela´s last [type] ..Orange and Clementine Cheese Brownies for Petit-On {Raw, Vegan, Gluten free,Refined sugar free}
February 14th, 2013 at 10:42pm
Thank you for your post today!
I am alone today,as I have been on many other Valentine’s Days past.
I know I am loved by many, and love many in return but sometimes the stereotypical images of everyone getting ‘hearts and flowers’ but me on this day is sometimes hard to take!
Luckily, today is also a beloved relative’s birthday,so I think of it as her day rather than Valentine’s day, and that makes me happy!
Happy Valentine’s day!
February 14th, 2013 at 11:09pm
Sounds about as wild as our night. Take-out Chinese with my husband and six year old son, eating in front of Tivo’ed American Idol. Woohoo!
February 14th, 2013 at 11:18pm
This is a good story and so true. For some people today isn’t such a nice one. And what do you think of all that teens who are uncertain and hoping…
Have a nice evening and weekend.
February 15th, 2013 at 12:04am
My daughter, my friend and I went to Bingo (didn’t win) and had a great time. lol
February 15th, 2013 at 2:44am
Holly you are so sweet! What a lovely post.
In the past V Day hasn’t been quite such a huge day here in Australia, in fact I don’t think we’d heard of it when I was a child. But in recent years it has become more and more of a ‘thing’ here, although still not to the same extent as in the US. While I think it’s wonderful to celebrate love in all it’s forms, I hate that it’s so commercialised and can be a day of sadness to some. That’s why your simple message of “You are loved” is so perfect.
I separated from my husband two and a half years ago after being married for 13 years, and together beforehand even longer (I was a teenager when we met) – and honestly I LOVE being single. Valentine’s day was a non event for me… exactly the way I like it now!
February 15th, 2013 at 5:06am
Ha -
You are SOOOO right! I didn’t get roses or anything I blogged about on my list of things I wanted for Valentine’s Day a couple of weeks back. BUT….he did the dishes for me, got the kids ready for school, dealt with my unruly teenager. And I would take that ANY day over some flowers or piece of jewelry. Now for that last thing on the list…..we’ll see later on tonight!
February 15th, 2013 at 7:22am
This is lovely and much appreciated by us your readers… Happy Valentines!!!
Punctuation Mark´s last [type] ..On Love
February 15th, 2013 at 7:32am
Nice post!
February 15th, 2013 at 11:07am
Great post – it’s all a big money maker, Well done for saying what most of us feel!
February 15th, 2013 at 3:22pm
Thank you Holly for this post. Being single this is a dreaded day for me although i know that there are people in my life who love me. It’s good to know that i’m not the only one who doesn’t like this Day so much and there are other, better and non-organized occasions to tell somebody that you love them.
February 15th, 2013 at 5:25pm
I love this post Holly and I couldn’t agree more.
Brittni´s last [type] ..Happy Valentine’s Day (UPDATED)
February 15th, 2013 at 6:18pm
Wow. Great post, Holly! Thank you!
February 15th, 2013 at 6:56pm
I spent valentines working, picked up kids after school and played a great game of scrabble. I love my kids so they came first. Your right, valentines doesn’t always mean a hot date or hot evening with the husband. We need to show love all year to those closest to us. It’s not just one day it’s everyday.
February 15th, 2013 at 11:42pm
I think love should be expressed everyday…When i was single Id always make the effort to go out with girlfriends and friends on Valentines Day and it was always a fun night out – why should we let this day make us feel like being single so negative?
Now that Im married we dont really celebrate on Valentines Day – I always write my hubby a note and he always gets me flowers but we tend to do that other times too…
February 15th, 2013 at 11:51pm
Ha! Thanks for the giggle!
I love Valentine’s Day….even when I’m single. My mom always made it special and I cherish those memories and try to do small things for friends to make it fun. But Gal-entine’s Day is a great idea!
Michele´s last [type] ..Subway Art
February 16th, 2013 at 2:20am
Hi Holly, Thanks for the post!
February 16th, 2013 at 2:46am
I like your post! :) Do you know where I could find the print in your photo of “You Are Loved”? Thanks!
February 16th, 2013 at 10:35am
I like your kind and caring attitude about valentine’s day and also I loved your gesture about “have you hugged a blogger today?” … just lovely! very humanitarian and all encompassing that’s why I like to visit your blog. thankyou Holly… cheers :) m
February 16th, 2013 at 6:31pm
Well said Holly! I don’t associate V day with hot sex and flowers and chocolates, but it is nice to do something nice or send a note to the ones who need some extra love and attention that day, like your close friends, or people who are going through some rough periods… I even sent a card with “hugs and love to you” a few days before V day who just went through chemo therapy for her breast cancer. Just to let her know she’s not alone and that I’m thinking about her.
It is not just one day, you need to show your love all year around to everyone (which I tend to forget sometimes). :-)
Inge´s last [type] ..Table Decor {Valentine’s Sew Cute Table For Two}
February 17th, 2013 at 9:34am
I’ve always dreaded Valentine’s Day, and this year I wrote about what’s it like to be surrounded by a world engrossed with it (link below). I met up with friends I had not seen in two years (one was back for a visit from the States – I live in Malaysia) and after a catch up over dinner in the food court of a swanky mall, we checked out the Chinese New Year decorations and took some pictures. So I didn’t hibernate this year to escape from V-Day.
On a different note, a female colleague posted a picture of a cute cake with a Yoda on it. A male colleague’s girlfriend sent it to him in the office. Interestingly, in that female-dominated department, he was the only one to receive a Valentine’s Day gift at the office. Hmm… food for thought.
It was quiet in my department because many were still away for the long Chinese New Year break, so there was no embarrassment of being surrounded by flowers on other people’s desks.
February 18th, 2013 at 1:34pm
Hey Holly! I really enjoyed that article, really made me think! I am loved…
February 18th, 2013 at 3:57pm
well said holly :)
Molly {Dreams in HD}´s last [type] ..Hawaiian Holiday
February 18th, 2013 at 4:44pm
I hope you had a lovely Valentine’s Day. I’m having a few problems myself but I don’t like to think of Valentine’s Day as a special day. Every day should be!
Shay´s last [type] ..Rainwater and Your Hair: Try It!
February 18th, 2013 at 4:56pm
Seventeen years of teaching kindergartners, and I have to say that Valentine’s Day has been one of my favorite holidays, as it is theirs. Of course in school we talk about all kinds of love: the love of parents, family, pets, friends, and hobbies, and roses rarely, if ever, are included. As we anticipate the end of winter, it’s the first time we dare to wear a pastel pink, though we we save the rest for Easter.
As crushing as the end (or lack) of an intimate and nurturing relationship is, there is affirmation to be felt in other kinds of love. I wish the holiday would include the expression of those as well.
Michaele
February 18th, 2013 at 5:38pm
That’s all so lovely! Thanks for this reminder! YOU are loved too!
Rosa Paula´s last [type] ..Inspiração para a semana * Inspiration for the week – blind photographers
February 18th, 2013 at 8:16pm
Aww this is super sweet. I don’t celebrate Valentines Day because I mostly see people feeling bad about not having someone. Love should be expressed daily.
R. Joyce´s last [type] ..Closet Home Office: The Big Reveal
February 19th, 2013 at 5:02pm
My mother in law came to stay too :) we did bake valentines day muffins with the kids though. :) And my dad left my mum on Valentine’s Day officially this year :( so you are right…its nice to say you have someone special in your life, but it is even a MORE special thing to say you have lots of friends and family telling you , that you are loved. X
Anna´s last [type] ..First DIY in new home
February 20th, 2013 at 3:52am
I celebrated a warm Valentine’s date with my mom.
We cooked our favorite seafood recipes and I gave her a vintage key she loved from etsy.
It was one of the best-est Vday
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February 20th, 2013 at 8:59am
Lovely!
February 20th, 2013 at 1:00pm
I was reminded of Valentine’s Day the cruel way: I had arranged to go out for dinner with some friends and we could simply not make any table reservation :o( – no space it seems for anyone else but happy couples…
February 20th, 2013 at 2:23pm
Great post!!!
God loves us and all nature and planet earth and many others!!!
Hugs and Love to all!
Elena´s last [type] ..New creation. Emerald earrings
February 20th, 2013 at 5:45pm
This is one of the sweetest Valentine posts ever Holly. XO
Eva Ricci´s last [type] ..Colors od 2013 February Challenge Pink
February 20th, 2013 at 7:02pm
L-o-v-e this post! I have some amazing girlfriends that get so down because they haven’t found “the one” yet. Sometimes its other friends and families that make them feel like they aren’t good enough because they aren’t married and dont have children.
Laura M.´s last [type] ..FAVORITE PHOTO APPS
February 20th, 2013 at 11:29pm
Oh Holly, what a sweet post! It’s funny, I really still associate Valentine’s Day with my Grandpa rather than romantic dates. When I was a girl and my parents had recently divorced, my Grandpa started a tradition — he would come over to our house really early in the morning on Valentine’s Day and sneak in before my Mom and I woke up, and leave us cards, balloons, candy, and raspberry pastries for our breakfast. It was the BEST. We always felt so loved…really even more so than on any Valentine’s Day date! xo Laura
Laura Gaskill´s last [type] ..Julia Child’s Childhood Kitchen
February 21st, 2013 at 8:52pm
@Laura Gaskill:
Laura, that’s so sweet! Beautiful thing to read. Your grandparent looks like a great gentleman!
February 22nd, 2013 at 12:43pm
I don’t think celebrating Valentine’s Day is unfair. I just don’t really feel it’s necessary. But those who have partners should not be deprived of celebrating. However, love is not just about V-day. Showing love to your partner, giving roses, chocolates, etc. should not only be a V-day thing. It should for any other day too. And, there are other more important ways to show love rather than hot sex, chocolates and roses and these ways cannot be bought by money.
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