Beyond Commercial Love's Painted Facade
February waltzes in, cloaked in a seductive blush and bold crimson, promising fairy-tale romances and picture-perfect gestures. Please do not get me wrong, I love the seductive crimson and the fairy-tale romances. Where would we be without them? But, this February, I invite you to shed the script a bit and embrace the raw, unfiltered joy of genuine connection. Resist the pressure to perform, the forced smiles, and the pre-ordained narratives. Instead, let's dive into the messy, imperfect beauty of real love – the love that whispers in stolen moments of shared laughter, in quiet conversations bathed in moonlight or kitchen light, and in the comfort of simply being present with another soul, even when the mascara smudges and the bouquet wilts.
This month, I'm pondering the power of self-love, not as a fleeting indulgence, but as a revolutionary act of self-acceptance. Imagine a love story where the protagonist is constantly chasing external validation, their identity painted over with expectations and desires that aren't their own. That's what love can feel like when we neglect ourselves, allowing external pressures to define our worth. So, as cheesy as it may sound, this February, not just Valentine’s Day but every day, let's try to be the authors of our own love stories. Build strong, compassionate boundaries that protect your inner flame. Ditch the societal scripts and expectations that no longer resonate, even if they're painted in shades of red and pink. Double down on what makes your heart sing, the passions that ignite your spirit and make you feel truly alive. This isn't selfishness, it's the foundation for building genuine love, both within and beyond ourselves.
With practice, this newfound self-compassion will inevitably turn to the connections that truly make the fabric of our lives. Forget the grand gestures, the pressure to impress, and the societal dictates of what love "should" be. Try to celebrate the everyday moments – the shared laughter over a silly movie, a hot cup of coffee over a shared giggle, a meaningful conversation, the comfort of a listening ear, the joy of simply being present with those who matter, without judgement or expectation. It's the quiet hum of empathy, the gentle and real understanding that blooms when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, to be seen, and to simply be. Forgive the missteps, embrace the imperfections, and know that you are worthy of love, exactly as you are, in all your messy, authentic glory.
The most beautiful love stories are often the ones whispered from the soul, painted in shades of vulnerability, authenticity, honesty, and self-respect. They are our love stories. Own them and cherish them.
With warmth and a sprinkle of love,
Olga Miller @YelloBirdie
P.S. My husband and I did a thing! Check out our way unscripted conversation pre-Valentine’s Day, where we talk about our relationship, self-love and women/men differences!