A day loving myself

Because we must first love ourselves before anyone else can.

February 14, 2026.

I’m currently enveloped in the dizzying smell of confectioners’ sugar and espresso as I gaze out of the window of a quaint bakery in Brooklyn Heights. People walk by with an even cadence as if they’re somehow all tuned into the same melody. Some walk alone on a mission to get to wherever it is they’re supposed to be. Others are hand-in-hand with a lover, a crush, a friend, their person, carrying grocery bags overstuffed with ingredients for the meal they’ll soon prepare together. They all don a possessive glint in their eyes. A knowing that they won’t be spending the night alone. It’s warmer than it has been in weeks but the winter chill still lingers in the background, reminding us that her grip is only a stone’s throw away. The sun is a welcomed kiss on my skin. I feel light, at ease, comfortable. Comfortable in my own company. Comfortable at my watchful countertop seat.

Usually, this is a day sprinkled with self-imposed, mixed-emotion pity parties. Moments of I don’t give a fuck quickly followed by stretches of when will it be my turn? What’s the big deal, anyway? Isn’t today just like any other day on the calendar? By nightfall, I’m usually exhausted by my own mental gymnastics and manage to settle into a slumber that’s a bit more stubborn than usual—a few tosses here, a number of turns there, until morning greets me anew.

But today feels different. More pedestrian. I woke up rested. I moved my body and marveled at the sweat covering every inch of my skin like a glazed doughnut. A glistening reminder of the power and sensuality housed within. I took my time at the farmer’s market and became overwhelmed with immense gratitude for the hands that harvested the bounty on display. I made the most perfect jammy boiled egg and soaked up the sweet-tart nectar of the most perfect, out-of-season pineapple. I took a pipping hot shower and thanked my body for protecting me, carrying me and sustaining me despite the harsh words I throw her way. I treated my skin to the good oils and reserved-for-special-occasion perfume. I sat in my sun soaked living room in disbelief of the little life I’ve built for myself. I took the train to a part of Brooklyn I haven’t visited in awhile. I ordered a flakey pain au chocolat and the rare almond-milk latte that I devoured as I read a new book from start to finish.

I spent the day loving myself. I spent the day giving into tenderness. I spent the day honoring my present while yearning for the future. And for the first time, these two truths were in concert with one another. Their harmonies rooted in calm curiosity rather than the usual anxious impatience. I know this won’t always be the case, but today it was.

I’m starting to love this version of myself. She’s nowhere near complete but what a blessing it is to have spaces yet to be filled, jagged edges yet to be smoothed and a hunger yet to be fed. This is the adventure. This is what makes it all worth it.

Happy Love Day, y’all. Handle yourselves with care today and always. xx