365 days go by, and you look at how much has changed in a year. It is almost Valentine’s Day, and this year, I am not in a relationship. I do not really know how to feel about it, but this is not the part that bothers me; the part that gets to me is how different things are on this Valentine’s Day when compared to last year. But the truth is, I’m happy I am on my own this time.

I’ve never been the biggest fan of this holiday anyway. I think that this day should be celebrated all the time with the person you love (but that is the girly side in me). I think most of us get so caught up in these holidays with trying to impress others instead of that one person who actually matters.

As I sit here remembering my last V-Day, I wouldn’t change anything. It was where I was supposed to be at that time in my life. It was a wonderful night. Candlelit dinner under the stars with Mason jars hanging in the trees. My favorite candy and wine with a giant stuffed pink teddy bear. It was like a scene out of the Nicholas Sparks books. There was no other place I would have rather been or with any other person. It was a magical night and I am lucky to have that memory.

But sometimes, life has a different plan for us. Maybe right now, we don’t know where we are going, but that is the beauty in it; we get to create what happens next for us. Life definitely has not gone the way I expected it to, but this V-Day, I am learning new things about myself and where I am going in life. I cherish the moments I had, but welcome the new days ahead.

I will be the first to admit that it blows to see all your friends go off on these romantic dates and have all these wonderful plans while you sit on the couch with the chocolate your mom sent you in your care package. But if this is your first Valentine’s Day alone, just remember that first, this holiday is so overrated, and second, that there are so many things to be thankful for on Feb. 14, 2016. But if on that day, it seems a little hard, then here are 10 thoughts to remind you why being single on Valentine’s Day rocks.

1. You don’t have to impress anyone, a.k.a. you don’t have to put on pants all day.
2. You can have as many carbs and chocolates you want without being judged.
3. Girls' movie night to see that hilarious new chick flick.
4. Do not have to share the wine (or beer.)
5. You can still keep that winter coat you have been working on for four months.
6. Get yourself a card and tell yourself why you love yourself so much.
7. You can say out loud how hot Channing Tatum is without offending anyone.
8. You save money without having to buy that sexy bra… my suggestion is to go get a pizza with that extra cash.
9. Binge watch your favorite episodes you have been dying to catch up on but seem to have no time for.
10. And just remember… every Princess has to kiss a lot of frogs before finding her Prince.