I've always disliked going to work on Valentine's Day.  From the questions about my love life to others gushing about their Valentine's Night plans, the day gives me a headache.   This year I decided to simply focus on my class and how I could make it a memorable day of friendship and love for my students.  I left work feeling amazing, only to come home and hear about the tragedy in Parkland, FL.   "Another school shooting?" was my first thought.  Next, I put myself in the shoes of the children and teachers who went to work or school thinking that it was just another day.  All of a sudden, Valentine's Day took a back seat and somehow I doubt I'll ever think of the holiday the same in future years.

When I first dreamt of creating this website, many thoughts crossed my mind.  Would I reach my goal of helping others?  Would people snicker about my perspective/attitude/thoughts?  What would others say (to my face or otherwise)?   Most importantly, I feared that singles would continue to be viewed as lonely, isolated, miserable individuals who just couldn't find their place in society.  

Just this morning I was mindlessly looking at what was out there media-wise for singles on Valentine's Day.  I expected to see more of the same.  Ideas for making the day bearable, deals for dating websites, anti-Valentine's themes, and tips for helping singles to make this their last V-Day as a single.  Well, I was pleasantly surprised!  Among the many articles out there on these cringe-worthy topics, there were articles that discussed the #WhyI'mSingle trend on twitter.  Apparently, people are waking up and realizing that being single isn't quite the end of the world.  At least it doesn't have to be.  

As I've mentioned before, I am an elementary level teacher.  Two months ago, I attended an anti-bullying rally with my class.  As I listened to a police officer rap about how students should "ignore that foolish stuff", I thought of the number of adult bullies I have encountered in my daily life.  Now I'm not saying that I've been bullied any more than the average adult has and that you should pity me.  What I am saying is that it is out there.  While I believe that this is an issue we should tackle at a young age, many adults battle bullying within their families, work places, on the road, or out in public.  

You're too skinny.  You talk too much.  Was your hair always that thin?  He'll leave you if you don't change.  Yes, others can make comments to your face or behind your back.   It has happened to me and it has happened to all of us.  What matters most is how we deal with it.  Letting others determine your self worth lets them win.  Ignore that foolish stuff and make your own life a good one by doing your part and not being an adult bully yourself.