February 13th is Galentine’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating female friendships. This holiday was largely started by Leslie Knope from the show Parks and Recreation and she says it best when she says the day is about “ladies celebrating ladies.” This year, I hope you celebrate Galentine's Day by showing gratitude and appreciation for the strong women in your life
I love this holiday because it defies the misogynistic belief that women dislike other women. Women who say they’re “one of the guys” and could never get along with other women are contributing to the narrative that women are less than men. I have gained so much from my female friendships and I am grateful for each and every one of the strong women in my life. In fact, I created the Ignited by Inner Beauty podcast because there are so many incredible women in my life and the world needs to know more about them. I have interviewed women who are artists, performers, CEOs, doctors, nurses, and health coaches. These women are passionate about what they do, they care deeply for others, and they are empowered to be the best versions of themselves each and every day.
I encourage you to celebrate Galentine’s Day by expressing gratitude for your female friends and all of the incredible women in your life. Below are just a few ways in which you can celebrate Galentine’s Day or what Leslie Knope calls, “only the best day of the year.”
1. Write letters of gratitude to your female friends
For the past few years I’ve gotten into the habit of sending Galentine’s Day cards to my female friends. I particularly like to send them to my friends who are not in relationships and who may not spend time with a romantic partner on Valentine’s Day. While feelings of self-love can and should come from within, it’s also great to hear them from a female friend. I love to use Galentine’s Day cards to tell my friends how much they mean to me and how happy I am to have them in my life. And who doesn’t love getting some fun snail mail?
2. Read a feminist book by one of your favorite female authors
What better way to spend your Galentine’s Day than hearing from incredible feminist women? I recommend reading content from Lindy West, a fantastic feminist author who unapologetically fights for women’s rights. She wrote the book Shrill that was turned into the Hulu series by the same name. Another good read is The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor. She talks about radical self-love and celebrates all bodies regardless of shape, size, color, ability, or identity. Read one of these authors or choose another feminist author who will make you feel empowered to be the incredible woman you already are.
3. Watch a movie or have a game night with your female friends
Take time out of your Galentine’s Day to spend quality time with your female friends (even if it’s virtual). Ever since the pandemic began, my friends and I have scheduled regular movie nights where we take turns choosing a movie and use Netflix Party to watch it together. Whether it’s watching a movie, playing a game, or just chatting with friends, I hope you use Galentine’s Day to enjoy good laughs and great conversations with the strong women in your life.
4. Take yourself on a date night
I got this tip from a nun who told me she would take herself out on dates and buy herself flowers because “who else was going to do it?” I encourage you to take Galentine’s Day as a much-needed self-care day. Buy yourself flowers, order takeout from your favorite restaurant, or make yourself some cupcakes. You are an incredible woman worthy of goodness and kindness, so why not show it to yourself?
5. Have a brunch with your besties (Leslie Knope style)
In classic Leslie Knope fashion, you can spend the day having brunch with the strong women in your life (even if that means a Zoom brunch). I personally admire how much Leslie Knope loves waffles (and whipped cream), so if I were you, I would make some waffles for the occasion, and enjoy my morning celebrating my incredible female friendships.
However you choose to celebrate Galentine’s Day, I hope you take a moment to remind yourself that you are a strong and beautiful woman who is worthy of love and goodness. If you’re looking to hear from more strong and independent women, listen to the Ignited by Inner Beauty podcast.
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