HOW TO SPEND YOUR VALENTINE'S DAY

While I was alone with my thoughts today, it gave me an idea of a St. Valentine's Day post. Why not empower people to celebrate this event, as a day to remind each other on how important it is to love yourself first. I've read so much post lately on how some people hate this day because it makes them feel not so special, it highlights the fact that they are alone, it's a marketing ploy, etc. Whatever their reason was for feeling this way, I personally think that the best traits a person can have is a sense of detachment from everything and a talent to diverse anything negative to positive. Whether you admit it or not if you get affected by Valentine's Day, it only means that it is something to you. Don't you think? And if has a negative effect on you, why not turn it around?
"Do we need another soul to cling to just to realize how amazing we are? The answer is, no. You set the standards for yourself. This famous quote from The Perks of Being a Wallflower, "We accept the love, we think we deserve" (no matter how cliché it is) answers all your questions. I still have high standards about romance, balloons on my room ceiling, flowers all over the room, receiving high school-ish teddy bears, adventures and puzzles.. but I must say, every romance comes from knowing your self worth. I don't need a partner to give me that romantic ambience because anytime, any day I am willing to make that effort and give that special treatment myself. And when other people see that, they'll know, they'll just have to treat you the same way you do to yourself.
Here's what I did in the past three years of celebrating Valentine's Day alone (by myself, with my friends and with my sisters), meaning without a physically present date as you might know, I'm in long distance relationship for 5 years now. In 2014, I spent it my girls and it was an amazing weekend of unexpected snow fall in Yokohama. We spent the Valentine's weekend singing "do you want to build a snowman?" while actually making one, throwing snow at each other, trying to make a snow angel, clearing the streets filled with snow, dressing up, taking photos, styling our hair, cooking and of course eating. It was definitely one of the best memories I had for Valentine's Day.
In 2013, I was assigned in a business trip thus spending it alone literally for the first time. Before that, I was able to make some chocolates to give to my students. On that year too, I've realized that I liked the part of Japanese Valentine's Day where girls make homemade chocolates, sweets, to their friends as it is like a Valentine's version of "Kris Kringle". Val Kringle?
In 2012, my sisters and I kind of invented our own version of oreo truffle. It was too good to be true!

I wish I knew how to love someone without killing myself. How to mend hearts without breaking my own. How to kiss and not create bruises.
Michelle K., Things I Wish I Knew How To Do

Aside from the things I've mentioned above, here are my suggested to-do list: 1. Date your grandparents. My grandfather on mother's side passed away today and it was sad that the last time I saw him was around two years ago. I used to visit them every summer in Aklan (a province in the Philippines) and I can never forget how my lolo (grandfather in Filipino) would smile at me whenever he sees me. It was a precious, precious memory to me. Now if I could spend all my remaining free time with the rest of my grandparents, I would. And that includes, Valentine's Day.
2. Do it the Japanese way! Spend the 13th making "homemade" chocolates, muffins, cupcakes for your girlfriends. I'm sure they will love anything you make just because. More tips on "How to wrap your sweet treats" here by Nicola. 3. Treat yourself. When was the last time you celebrated "yourself for being your awesome self"? There should be no excuses on this one. Just do it! I was resisting on buying a coveted bag for a year now. Good job self-control! But soon.. Hello, Balenciaga! Hahaha, I know.....
4. Teach someone something you're good at for free. Thanks to my friend Madeleine for her invitation to get one free Japanese lesson at cafe talk. Please pray for me, I'm planning to take JLPT N2 this year. So nervous! Also, I'm so much determined and willing to give one with anyone of you (my readers, kawaii.ph girls, my friends, just about anyone) too. By the way, you can either teach or learn another language or skill (musical instruments, etc) via cafe talk. Let's try it together!
5. Support a local business. Do you have a friend who sells cookies, cupcakes, personalized shirts, any thing? Why not buy something from them for yourself or as a present to your friends, family or perhaps even a stranger?
6. Create something. I love this "Alice in Valentinesland" photo shoot idea by Kathryn. She is definitely one of the most creative people I've met. I'm inspired!
7. Share your ideas about love. Kaila wrote about her thoughts on self-love here. I can't help but nod and say yes while reading it. You go, girl!
Love transcends beyond everything, you can be alone and celebrate it or you can be with the people who matter. In the end, just love the way you wanted to be loved. Love yourself the way you wanted to be loved. Love others the way you wanted to be loved.