As the calendar welcomes February again, preparations for Valentine’s Day start with great fervor around the world. A lot has already been spoken about the marketing and representation of V-day, centering around romantic love initiating anxiety and overall melancholy for those without partners. Recently, however, the effect of company branding is taking a backseat as society continues to redefine love: spending the day with their family, friends and pets! For the first time in forever, Instagram really helped me get over the Valentine’s blues and embrace all the small acts of selflessness, beauty and joy that are ever present.
The Sun
As cliche as it sounds, I am grateful for the sun. I come from India and living through Massachusetts winter has been pretty crazy. Any signs of the sun make me extremely happy. I love taking long walks, letting the rays smile on my face and listening to some sweet tunes. Honestly, it makes me feel like a character out of my own movie and I’m here for it. At the start of the semester, I would frequently catch the sun rising as I was dealing with jet lag. Although I hate waking up that early now, I compensate by staring outside my window as the sun sets, appreciating all that nature has to offer.
Feeling understood
That little hug for motivation or squeezing my hand when I’m scared, it is rare to find people who understand exactly what you need. And I am grateful for all the little ways in which my friends have shown me love and kindness over the years. I recognize on most days, I am not an easy person to be with. My moods switch as fast as my workload yet they forgive me even when I can’t text or call. High school was a wild ride and they always had my back through thick and thin, accepting my messy hair and messy habits without a word. Shower your besties with love and kisses!
warm showers
Nothing cures a long day like a hot bath. It feels like stepping into a different reality when I feel the water wash away all my day’s troubles. Add to that clean sheets with a good book and you have the perfect night! Not just relaxation and comfort but also the entire idea of preparing for the night with a shower and nightclothes, makes the process of sleeping feel more intended and restful than just popping into bed. I’m grateful for all the moments I prioritized a restful night instead of pushing myself to overwork and overthink.
furry friends
Self-explanatory, I would say. Even seeing a dog on my walk to classes gets me so excited. I’m grateful for all the adorable pets that provide us with unconditional love without having a care about the world. The most nonjudgemental companions, pets really do help cope with loneliness, depression and anxiety along with increasing cognitive functioning. Fingers crossed, I’ll be adopting a sweet pet myself in the coming months and watching the little one run around my room!
Shatter the belief that love and intimacy must be shared only with romantic partners. Celebrate the beautiful and fulfilling platonic relationships around you and appreciate the little-big ways life sends you love ♡.
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