Valentine’s Day has always been a child’s holiday to me. It’s about adorable little cards, tiny chalky hearts with poorly etched messages of love, and hoping to receive something special from your crush. I’ve never viewed the day with any mature romantic meaning. I don’t sit around hoping for a “Valentine” or being sad when I don’t receive roses. (Y’all know by now that I’m romantically broken).

Today, I watched one of my favorite movies (Roman Holiday), went hiking with a dear friend, and made myself chocolate covered strawberries. It was a perfectly lovely day! However, I know that so many take this holiday seriously, longing to feel loved and appreciated . So, to any woman who’s had a crappy Valentine’s Day…

Phenomenal Woman

By Maya Angelou 

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Know that you are phenomenal! Not because someone bought cheap chocolates or cliched roses, or because a man signed his name to a four dollar Hallmark card. You’re phenomenal because of the overwhelmingly beautiful intricacies that form you! You’re phenomenal because no matter how someone tried, they could never be YOU. My dear, you’re fearfully and wonderfully made!

This “holiday” is over and it wasn’t what you wanted, so take time tomorrow to appreciate just how phenomenal you are! Do something ALL about YOU that makes you feel FABULOUS. You won’t regret it.