Valentine's day solo

I spent Valentine's day alone.

Well, technically I was with my dog, but the important thing is that I did not spend it with my husband.

Collective gasp. Why not? What's wrong? Oh you poor thing! What happened? I can practically hear what's going on in your brain.

Well, here's the story.

I had plans to spend the morning with my beloved, but when he awoke, he told me that he had suffered from a bout of insomnia the previous night, and was exhausted.

I could have whined and complained and held him to his promise, I could have "let him off the hook" but then pouted and sulked - neither of which would have resulted in me having the happy, joyful day of my dreams.

So what did I choose to do? I responded in the most loving way I knew how to. I told him to go back to sleep and then instead of letting it ruin my day, I spent the morning with someone else I love - ME!

This might sound odd, but I've realized lately that I don't always treat myself with the same respect, care or compassion that I treat others with. So this decision, while seeming innocuous to the outside, felt huge to my inner world.

I treated myself to a simple cup of coffee from my local coffee shop, and then took my lovely dog out for a beautiful walk in the sunshine.

I might not have had the Valentine's day I was hoping for, but because I embraced what was instead of crying over what might have been, it turned out to be completely and utterly divine.

p.s. We did go out for a belated Valentine's day croissant and coffee the following morning. So TWO Valentine's days for me! BONUS!!