**Long post ahead** I have a tradition for Valentine's posting about love. And today, I want to share the story of Sylvia.

Every so often we forgot the one important person we need to learn to love, is yourself. Sylvia reached out to me for photos as she's finally ready to try to find love in the virtual world. She's such a lovely lady. She's been focusing on taking care of her daughter and everyone and now feeling conscious about herself although she's has this sweet kind smile and personality. Before the day of the photoshoot, she felt she doesn't have the right wardrobe and wanted to reschedule. I understand it's the fear that we just felt we weren't ready or good enough. I reassured her, brought a jacket of mine, and met her in Baltimore.

That day, she told me so happily her daughter actually did her make up. As the shoot went on, I can felt she started to radiate her true self. By the end of the shoot, she told me, "Wow, I am so happy to have met you, I felt like a new person! You empowered me, transformed me, and made me want to be in this newer version of myself and take more risks."

Two months passed by, she sent me a note telling me she has always been very timid to take photos, even with her daughter. But that Thanksgiving, she wanted to take lots of photos with her daughter and family. She does feel, ”Hey, I look good. If I can do that... I can do anything." and she has made some important life decisions since this shoot. And my heart is so happy still just thinking about it.

Why I wanted to share this story in Valentine's? Because I want to remind you (and myself) that we are not defined by our age, physical appearances, limits or if you have a parter or not. Sometimes, people just won't see you or they leave, and that is okay. Trust, love yourself and embrace the vulnerability of giving love as we also continue to better ourselves. Love comes in so many ways, not just lovers, but family, friends, fur babies and more. Just like one of my lovely friends Kim said, "Just know, you are intrinsically worthy of love."

Sending you lots of love today! Big hugs, Kristy