Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic holidays.  Red hearts, chocolates, and candlelight dinners.  Each of us seeks a unique way to celebrate this holiday—leaving a remarkable and unforgettable impression on our beloved.

        I’d like to shift the paradigm of Valentine’s Day.  This year, I’m requesting that women all over the world change the way they look at Valentine’s Day.  Start by altering the definition of Beloved.  What would your day be like if YOU were your own Beloved?

        For 2010, take the opportunity on Valentine’s Day to celebrate YOU.  Be your own beloved friend and invest some energy in honoring the amazing, beautiful you that you already are.

        All of the same Valentine’s Day ideas can work, especially if you keep in mind that you need not create an expensive celebration. A simple special occasion for yourself that is straight from the heart will be just as gratifying.

        Let me share a few ideas:

Write yourself a love letter

        Writing is an ancient art that captures a mood.  Capture that which empowers you, that which you find beautiful, and that which you embrace.  Write down the reflection of the wonders of your heart.  Write this letter to yourself, and include your finest qualities; begin by writing the top 20.  What are the best aspects about you?  What are your greatest accomplishments?  What are the gifts you share and those you wish to still explore?  Remember, even the little things count.  Write in vibrant colors and then mail it to yourself.  Use a return address of “my own best friend.”  You can even write a love letter to yourself with fabric markers on your pillowcase.  Sleep on it and dream of your greatness.  And finally, design a way to save your love letters.  Maybe you can decorate a shoe box or tie them up with a red ribbon.  Each year, on Valentine’s Day, take out your love letters and visit your heart. 

Create a CD of All of Your Favorite Songs   

        Or create a soundtrack of your life.  Imagine your life appearing, bit by bit, on the big screen in a movie theater.  That’s right; somebody has made a movie of your life.  It only portrays the dramatic scenes, the pivotal moments that help define you.  This is how books and movies are made.  The daily mundane is carved away like the unwanted stone in a Michelangelo sculpture, leaving only the pieces that contribute to the essence.   Now think of the music playing in the background of these scenes.  This music helps creates the ambiance, enhancing the image the director wants you to see, leaving an impression in your mind and heart—with luck, forever. 

        Have you ever heard a song that takes you back to a certain place or event, sometimes years after the fact?  Of course, the song was not the moment itself, but it helped give the event deeper meaning, filling you with a rush of nostalgia, inspiration, or another powerful emotion.  Consider which music tells your story.  When you think about the most important “scenes” from your life—from an early memory to this moment now—what 15 pieces of music could be playing in the background?  Now create your CD from this list of 15 songs.

Pamper Yourself with a Spa Treat

        This could be a pedicure, facial, or your own gift basket full of your favorite lotions and scents.  You can also create your own spa, pour a glass of wine or herbal tea, light tea candles around your tub, and soak in a luxurious bubble bath.  If you’re a mom, hire a sitter for a couple of hours of uninterrupted relaxation and rejuvenation.

Send Yourself Flowers 

        Or if you’re not big on flowers, send yourself chocolates or a book or even a gadget that you’ve always wanted. 

        The point is that you can create a special day that revolves around your idea of pampering, joy, and nurturing that fits your needs and desires. As women, we tend to nurture the world around us—our friends, our parents, our children, our spouses, our dates, even our bosses.  This year, take some time to nurture yourself.  Be a Beloved Friend to you.  At the end of your days, the one thing that you can be certain of is that you have been WITH you for your entire life.  Embrace yourself.  Love yourself.  Celebrate you—today, tomorrow, and always.

Rebecca Evans is an author, mommy to four boys, and aspiring illustrator. She resides in Idaho, hoping to continually improve herself along this journey called life.