Day of love

As I sat down to draft this post on Wednesday, I had just ordered a tiny raspberry chocolate treat and an oat milk cappuccino at a popular cafe called Amelie's near my work. It was a little moment of self-love and indulgence before my final day of a long work week.

Today, I drove up to the lake for a few days to celebrate my wonderful mother's birthday (February 14). My sweet mother — full of love — was born on Valentine's Day. It's always seemed to fit her absolutely perfectly.

Because of my work schedule, I'm unable to be up here for the actual weekend with my siblings (and because of Ben's schedule, he was unable to come at all) but I'm determined to make the most of it.

As I sat in that Amelie's Wednesday, I couldn't help but notice a shift that had occurred in my life sometime over the last year and a half. When I first moved to Charlotte, I would go to that same Amelie's on my break — get a tea, look at my phone, and wish all my college friends were there. Now, I'm comfortable in the Queen City and in my own skin. I've made friends I love. I feel at ease. So now when I go to Amelie's alone, it's not because I have to. It's a gift to myself — a moment to read, write, and just be with my thoughts.

This Valentine's Day, if you aren't celebrating your mom's birthday like we are in this household, take time to celebrate all the "loves" in your life. I'm lucky to have many to celebrate — my mother on her birthday, Ben, my family, my friends, myself, the list goes on. It feels good. Happy Valentine's Day all, and happy birthday mom!