Rethinking Valentine's Day
“Love is the essential existential fact. It is our ultimate reality and our purpose on earth. To be consciously aware of it, to experience love in ourselves and others, is the meaning of life.” -Marianne Williamson I'm just gonna say it...I love Valentine's Day. I love everything it represents. I love celebrating love. As a Wedding Photographer, I believe in love above all things. I believe in the power it has to unite us, define us, drive us, and transform us. I believe love is the most powerful human emotion there is.
Unfortunately, Valentine's Day gets a bad rap sometimes. If you're single, it can be hard to feel like you don't have anyone in your life to share it with. If you're in a relationship, there can be a lot of pressure to live up to your partner's expectations. I think we should reframe how we think about Valentine's Day and choose to see it as a day we can celebrate the love we have in our lives.It doesn't have to be romantic love. It can be the love of your parents, your friends, even your dog. It can be the love you feel when you listen to your favorite song.
To celebrate, I decide to make a list of the things I love most in this world.
I love...
...waking up in a new place.
... the smell of campfire.
... lamp.
... the sound of rain on my window.
... Voluspa candles.
... wearing red lipstick.
... cold beer.
... drinking wine by candlelight.
... aisle seats on an airplane.
... laughing with my girlfriends.
... back rubs from my mommy.
... chocolate. Anything chocolate.
... driving on an open road.
... wind in my hair.
... breakfast. Although I'd be happy with bacon on a plate.
... afternoon naps.
... when my dog nudges my hand with her nose to pet her.
... sunlight through the trees.
... dancing with abandon.
... hammocks.
... movies. ALL the movies.
... making my dad laugh.
... getting the shot.
... morning coffee from my favorite mug.
... watching the people I love accomplish something great.
... singing in the car. And the shower. And everywhere else.
... acoustic guitar.
... the sound of my shutter closing.
... spooning.
... desert stars.
... when it's right.
... making plans.
... creating something beautiful.
... watching my brother become an adult.
... dresses with pockets.
... the butterflies I get when the wheels leave the runway.
... forehead kisses.
... when the walls come down.
... live music.
... connection.
... Netflix binges.
... sipping margaritas in the sun.
What do you love? You should celebrate it.
