February is the month of love, the month where Cupid weighs his heavy bow upon those waiting underneath. If you happen to get struck by the hefty heart-shaped arrow, your month might be filled with romantic and heartfelt nights. Filled with romantic nights in dim-lit restaurants while you order the dinner-for-two and find red roses on your step. But if Cupid raises his bow and happens to sneeze, he might point the arrow elsewhere. Yes, you can curse the mythological creature for missing his target and leaving you with another single Valentine’s Day. You can curse the heart shaped candies and cards every time you go to buy your groceries. Or you can stop blaming Cupid and start looking at yourself. What you have in your life that means the most to you.
February is the month of love. What if that love has nothing to do with a significant other? What if it is the love you have for your family? Or the love you have for your friends? Or even the love you have when you order a number two at In-N-Out with animal style fries? The love for a cheeseburger may be a stretch and a bit absurd, but isn’t that what life is about? I look around at the things I have and although I am unsure about a major part, you know the part of a significant other, I am sure that I have plenty to love. Working in a job that makes my life meaningful, living in a town home I can decorate however I want, going to the gym when I want, cooking whatever I feel like for dinner (even if that means chicken pot-stickers and frozen chocolate chips) and enjoying a glass of wine on the patio with my roommate. It may not be the Valentine’s month I pictured, but it is what makes me happy and it is what I love most. So if you can’t use the dinner-for-two coupon you printed out in hopes of sharing it with that special someone, don’t blame Cupid. In fact, don’t blame anyone. Thank yourself for the things you love, no matter how big or small that may be. Because when the month of hearts, love, candy and flowers passes you by, the things you love most will still be there.
Casey Rowley is a freelance writer and Preschool Teacher. For questions or comments please email caseymrowley@yahoo.com.