We are making our way into February, which most would consider the month of love. It is also the month where all of our appreciation for our special someones seem to be compacted and commercialized into one single day. I think that the love being shown shouldn’t just be restricted or designated to one certain month, and especially not to one single day. It should be something that is constant. Something that should be felt, grown and reciprocated on a daily basis. It should appreciate the current relationships you are in every day with family, friends and partners. But it should also leave room for the exploration of new and future relationships, both long and short-lived. It should not be constricting because every person you meet has a desire for a human connection and understanding that should never be taken for granted. Pursuing people, romantically or not, is something that should be valued and shown every day.

But love isn’t only about others, either. It involves you. It begins and ends with you. Self-love is the most important thing you can do for yourself. Only you can satisfy that innate fulfillment that so many people long and search for. Others' love for you is just the icing on the cake. Self-love is also the greatest foundation piece to any other form of a relationship because if you don’t have that, then how are you supposed to teach others to love you how you deserve to be loved? It is all up to you to show others how it should be done.

So, as this month goes by and as Valentine’s Day makes its debut appearance yet again, let’s try to make it less about our current status and more about showing appreciation for people, and especially appreciation for yourself and the person you have and are constantly becoming. Focus on those people who surround you, support you and who continue to be constants in your life. Take the time to focus on yourself and really learn to take care of you. Don’t let the perpetual idea surrounding this time of year dictate your timeline, and please do not rush in to things, no matter how good the idea seems at the time. It usually never is anyway; trust me.

Wherever you happen to be, remember that this is where you are meant to be. You are right where you need to be, for the time being. Let things happen at their own pace, and when you do, you will see how everything starts to fall into place. Loving yourself gives you the ability to see and love others regardless of what the time of year it is. Learn to be good to people for no reason.