Love and Respect Yourself and Those You Love
This is the eighth post in a series by former FLVS student Makaila, a model, author, and student advocate.
When I think of February, the first thing that pops into my mind is Valentine’s Day.
Go figure…
Valentine’s Day seems to be the only thing that people think about when February rolls around. Love is in the air (and sometimes the leap year is too), but more importantly, Valentine’s Day approaches and poses a dramatic urgency with questions like “Will I be single?” or “Do they like me?”
All questions that, at the time, seem to be the main focus.
I remember when I was in school, every Valentine’s Day my peers would anxiously await the teddy bears and notes that the SGA (Student Government) delivered to certain kids. The concept was something like a candy gram, but instead, you could be given a teddy bear and note. The whole thing was either anonymous or your crush would tell you over the note.
I remember how sad I got when I didn’t get a bear, but then I looked around the classroom and realized I wasn’t alone. At the time, it wasn’t the greatest feeling…but it soon dawned on me, Valentine’s Day is so overrated.
We all look forward to having teddy bears or flowers, but we forget the thing they are supposed to represent – love. Love comes in all shapes and sizes, and no, not teddy bears. Love can come from friendship, family, or sometimes even a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Regardless of what type of love it is, it should matter on all days of the year – not just Valentine’s Day.
If you feel alone on Valentine’s Day, just know that you are not alone. Hangout with some friends, eat some candy, and watch some flicks. But more importantly, love and respect yourself. As Justin Bieber would say, “Love Yourself.”
If you can sit down and be happy as you are, then that is all the love you physically need. Don’t worry if a bear doesn’t show up on your door, someday it will. Someday you can tell someone, I love myself, but I love you too. This person can be a friend, a crush, or even a family member.
At the end of the day, you are your teddy bear, and if you really feel like it, buy yourself one.
Someone loves you.
Mak Nichols is a model, author, actress, and student advocate on a mission to inspire and support her peers through philanthropic initiatives including the Great American No Bull Challenge and the release of her first book, Blatantly Honest: Normal Teen, Abnormal Life, available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Indie Bound. After taking FLVS courses in high school, she is now studying business, entrepreneurship, and writing at the University of Central Florida. Learn more at makailanichols.com.