Love Story: Chapter I

"People who live their own love stories do not expect others
to make them feel loved."

Deepak Chopra

Today is monumental. No, trust me - it is. As you've probably already gathered, it marks the entry of the first official chapter of my love story. It is the birthday of someone I care about very much. It is my first day after a very sad goodbye with that same person. And it is Valentine's Day, a celebration of love. What better day to further solidify my resolution to love myself?

In all honesty, I started working on my challenge almost a month ago. I signed up for a retreat in Mexico with a group of lovely yogis. I finished a weekend-long training and received my Reiki certification. I started planning my trips for the rest of the year: East Coast in the spring, Hawaii in December (for a marathon, no less), Italy or Greece this summer. I am finally putting energy into making things happen for myself instead of only for other people. Baby steps.

So today, February 14, 2011, with the flow and presence of love both painfully & hopefully obvious, I am tying a bow on my promise to myself. This will be a year of growth and change. This will be a year of nurturing and playing and exploring.

This is a year of giving myself love without relying on, waiting for, or needing someone else to give it to me. Happy Valentine's Day.