By: Marissa Pollet

In a month filled with red and pink, Valentine's Day often steals the spotlight early on each year and it's important to remember that love is not confined to a single day on the calendar. While February 14th may be widely acknowledged as the day of romance, love exists in countless forms and should be celebrated every day of the year.

For many, Valentine's Day can bring a mix of emotions. It's easy to get caught up in the societal pressure to have a special someone to celebrate with, leading to feelings of loneliness or inadequacy if that someone isn't there. Surrounded by the sea of heart-shaped chocolates and rose bouquets you see in stores, it's important to recognize that love extends far beyond romantic partnerships.

Love can be found in the laughter shared with friends over coffee, in the comforting embrace of family members during difficult times, and in the unconditional support of role models who guide us along life's journey. It's also present in the kindness of strangers, the warmth of a pet's affection, and the beauty of nature that surrounds us. Love is there, surrounding you in all facets of life. If it brings you happiness and lifts you to make it through a challenging day or just brings a smile to your face, that is love which is important to recognize.

Rather than dwelling on the absence of a romantic partner on Valentine's Day, let's shift our focus to the abundance of love that surrounds us in other forms. Take a moment to appreciate the friends who stand by your side through thick and thin, the family members who offer unwavering support, and the countless moments of connection with the people around you that enrich your life on a daily basis. Who comes to mind when you think about these moments? It is the people around us as a whole that create a beautiful world of love that quite possibly, we never stopped to think about before this moment.

Let’s use Valentine's Day as an opportunity to celebrate all forms of love, not just romantic love. Host a gathering with friends, send a heartfelt note to a family member expressing your gratitude, or simply take some time to practice self-love and self-care. Treat yourself to a relaxing bath, indulge in your favorite meal, or engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Ultimately, love is a boundless force that goes well beyond a single day on the calendar. It's a source of strength, resilience, and connection that enriches our lives in countless ways. So, this Valentine's Day, let's celebrate love in all its forms and remember to cherish the relationships that bring meaning and fulfillment to our lives, not just on February 14th, but every day of the year. Let’s be the person that spreads love to others and appreciates every aspect of love that we feel in our hearts, building us and promoting a greater sense of well- being.

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Our team of caring professionals at Inspired Wellness are here to provide support and guidance towards your path of mental wellness. We believe that every individual has the ability to be the best version of themselves and our goal is to set you up with the tools to maintain a well-balanced life that will place you on the path towards lifelong change. We strive to create a non-judgmental environment coupled with therapeutic practices that are tailored towards each individual. At Inspired Wellness our team aims to do exactly as our name says, inspire you towards a beautiful life of strength and wellness!