Dr. Nick’s Reflection: Love Beyond Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day. It’s everywhere—flowers, chocolates, heart-shaped everything. And while some people live for this holiday, I’ve never been a big fan of it. But whether I like it or not, it exists, and it always gets me thinking—not just about romantic love, but about love in all its forms.

Love isn’t just about grand gestures or being in a relationship. Love is in the small moments, the quiet connections, and the way we show up for each other. It’s in the friends who remind us that we’re not alone, in the pets who greet us with pure joy at the end of a long day, and even in our favorite foods that bring us comfort. Love is in the laughter shared over an inside joke, the kind words that lift our spirits, and the simple act of someone remembering the little details about us.

Too often, we limit our definition of love to romance, when really, love is everywhere. It’s in the way we support those around us, the way we care for ourselves, and the way we find joy in simple things. Love is in handwritten notes, in check-ins when someone is struggling, in showing up when it matters most. It’s in kindness, in patience, in forgiveness, and in the ability to accept people as they are. Love doesn’t always need to be spoken—it’s felt in the way we treat others and in the way we let others care for us in return.

And then there’s the love we often forget about—the love we give to ourselves. We spend so much time pouring love into others that we sometimes neglect to save any for ourselves. Self-love isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. It’s the quiet understanding that we deserve kindness, patience, and care just as much as anyone else. It’s setting boundaries, prioritizing our well-being, and allowing ourselves the grace to grow and heal.

This holiday may focus on romantic love, but today, I challenge you to expand that definition. Take a moment to celebrate all the love in your life—the friendships that bring you joy, the pets that offer unconditional devotion, the family members who remind you where you came from, and the passions that make your soul come alive. Recognize the love in the everyday moments—the warmth of a hug, the peace of a sunset, the way music can stir something deep inside of you.

So whether you’re celebrating today or not, I hope you take a moment to appreciate the love that surrounds you in all its forms. Love is not limited to one day, and it’s not just about one type of relationship. It’s something we give and receive in a thousand different ways, every single day.

And if you don’t hear it from anyone else today, let me remind you—you are loved, you are valued, and you matter. Not just today, but every day.