All You Need is Love

As Valentine's Day approaches, I am reminded of the fact that this will be the first time in nine years that I will be single on Valentine's Day. This will be the first year since 2006 that I will not make romantic plans with my sweetie or be pampered with sweet gifts or snuggling.

Am I bummed? Not at all.
Because I have realized that I am surrounded by love.

This morning when I was in the drive-thru for Starbucks, I approached the window to pay only to find out that the woman in the car ahead of me paid for my coffee.  Not only was it a sweet gesture, but it gave me a sigh of relief since my funds are not ideal right now.
Then, I walk into work to find a pot of flowers on my desk from a coworker. Not only was I surprised to find the flowers, but he happened to pick my favorite flower, daisies, to which he had no clue.

And not just today, but everyday I am reminded of the simple pleasures of feeling love.

I feel love when, after not seeing my dad for a few days, he greets me with a smile and says "Hey Peanut!" with such excitement and when he sends me random "I hope you have a good day!" messages.
I feel love when my baby sister greets me with an enthusiastic "HI!" and grabs my hand to play with her and when she leans across her high chair at the dinner table to have a staring contest with me.
I feel love when Jaelene promotes my music skills to friends and family likes I pay her to be my publicist and when she texts me to check on me on a bad day.
I feel love when Freddie gives me hugs and tells me "Keep your chin up" and goes to concerts with me and purchases my Eaux Claires festival ticket because he couldn't bare "the thought of not being there without [me]."
I feel love when Kinsey, who is approximately 1500 miles away from me, sends me exciting music news and we can share the excitement together through our phones.
I feel love when my friends send me songs that they suggest I would love to listen to (and most of the time they are right!) and send me "Hey are you doing okay?" messages.
I feel love when my coworkers recognize my hard work. My job can be stressful and I am still learning, so when they tell me how well I am doing, it lifts my spirits.
I feel love when, even though she may be far away, my mother reminds me that she loves and misses me.

Whether you realize it or not, love is everywhere. Sometimes it takes someone paying for your coffee or someone getting you your favorite flower unintentionally to realize that.