02/14/2026
Valentine’s Day used to be a quiet trigger for me.
Not because I needed grand gestures.
But because I kept hoping to feel seen. Chosen. Considered.
And when that didn’t happen… I’d tell myself not to expect anything.
I’d shrink the desire.
I’d turn off the hope.
I’d swallow the disappointment.
Today is the first Valentine’s Day in 33 years that I don’t have a partner.
And for the first time in a long time…
I don’t feel sad.
I feel free.
No expectations.
No bracing.
No pretending something doesn’t hurt.
Just me.
And here’s what I’m realizing:
Valentine’s Day isn’t about romance.
It’s about devotion.
And this year, my devotion is to myself.
To my healing.
To my authenticity.
To the parts of me that stayed when others couldn’t.
To the woman who finally chose herself.
I’m falling in love with myself more deeply.
I’m romancing my own life.
I’m honoring the light in me that never went out — even when it wasn’t seen.
If today feels heavy for you, I see you.
If today feels freeing, I see you too.
Love doesn’t begin with someone else.
It begins with coming home to yourself.
And today… I am home. 💝