By Erika, Fashion Expert
I am not the biggest Valentine’s Day fan. Never have been, probably never will be. It’s a cool holiday and all, just not really my jam. In fact, I wasn’t even going to post any Valentine’s Day related content on YCS. I originally planned to do a Grammy recap (how original). But then I got to thinking that, these days especially, the world needs a little bit more love. And I don’t just mean romantic love. I mean just love. Just good, old-fashioned, kindness, humanity, and love for one another as human beings here on this earth.
Shirt: Bravely (Discount Code: FRIENDSOFERIKA) I Vest: Dressbarn I Skirt: Lane Bryant I Shoes: Avenue I Hat: Forever 21
And that kind of love – the unconditional kind that loves a person regardless of their race, religion, sexuality, socio-economic status, gender, or any other characteristic that so easily divides us – takes courage. It takes guts. It takes bravery. And, it’s what the world needs most. Right now, more than ever, we can all put a little more love in our hearts. We are living in a time where people seek to divide us across all sorts of lines. A time where, literally, they want to build walls to separate us. A time where we are not celebrated for our diversity but condemned by it. A time where people let their hate, distorted views, and fear lead them instead of logic, facts, common sense, and especially not love. For many, for most, it is a scary time.
So today, on Valentine’s Day 2017, let’s make a promise to spread the love. Whether it’s by wearing an awesome t-shirt that is a reminder to everyone who sees you that “Love is Brave” or by smiling, instead of scowling (guilty) at the train conductor as they make you wait for the (late) train on a frigid morning. It could be grabbing an extra cup of coffee to share with a homeless person you pass on your way to work. Or vowing to listen first and speak second when your significant other is talking (I’m going to work on that myself!). It could be calling your mom, dad, grandparents, niece and nephews or an old friend just to remind them they are loved and you are thinking about them. It could simply be speaking only kind words to yourself today in the mirror – focusing on what you love and not what you hate.
Rings: Coach (similar) I Bracelet: My Own (gifted)
Whether you are single, taken, or something in between doesn’t matter. Today is not about flowers, chocolate, candy, Instagram collages or anything else – it is about simply sharing the love.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Erika
Photo credit: Rob Bergsted