Opinion: This is what we love most this Valentine’s Day

Graphic by Emily Stephens

Everyone has something they hold deep in their hearts, whether it be family, theater, the color green, or even American Girl dolls. This Valentine’s Day, four Glacier editors reflect on what they love most.

I love..the ones who hold me together

There are systems all around us.

We use canal systems for transporting goods, number systems to solve complex math problems, economic systems to increase output across America. But I don’t love any of these as much as I love my support system.

I love my parents and brothers (even though I might feud with them and say I hate them sometimes) and the rest of my family, who helped me through the toughest years of my life.

During my later childhood and early teens I was hospitalized many times for anxiety and was eventually diagnosed as bipolar. I couldn’t have gotten through my uncharacteristic mood swings, mania and wanting to run away without my family’s help. 

They always visited me in the hospital, made sure the doctors didn’t use any crazy treatments and made sure that I was safe, regardless of my state of mind. Because of my family members, I am now in a good place: completely off of meds and fully functioning. Without their help, that tumultuous time would have been devastating, as I spiraled into anger and delusion unaware.

So I really do love my support system at home more than anything else in the world. My parents have kept me grounded, my brothers have always been there for me, and the rest of my family ensures that there’s no shortage of new wave dance parties and good food around.

If you have someone who loves and supports you, this Valentine’s Day, I strongly encourage you to give them a hug (or kiss) and tell them how much they mean to you. You just don’t know if they could save your life one day.

I love…how theater sets the stage for community

At age 8, I stepped foot onto the stage for the first time, and since then, I have participated in countless productions. 

I love the theater community.

Although I’m plugged into many creative outlets, theater takes the cake. A certain magic comes along with every cast I have been in–a genuine connection among artists participating in their craft.

Acting is a team effort; from the actors to the stage crew, everyone plays a role in creating a smooth and professional theatrical experience for the audience. 

Off stage, I’ve worked in various theater tech positions, and I’m always impressed by the overwhelming amount of communication that takes place backstage, typically through headsets and radios. A good show becomes a well-oiled machine that naturally spurs a strong sense of community amongst the actors.

I have met some of my closest friends through theater, and I am truly thankful for everything the stage has given to me.

Compared to other creative communities, theater doesn’t stop on the stage. I love the many connections I’ve developed over the years throughout the south suburban theater scene and the bonds I’ve formed with people outside of rehearsal.

Theater also allows us to tell stories. By using the power of theater, we can bring real and raw scenes to the spotlight that can resonate with the audience. The theater community is something that I truly love, and it has become a home away from home for me.

I love…seeing the green in everything

I dedicate all 341 of these words to talk about one of my deepest loves: Green. 

The color green has been a huge part of my life for about two years now. Well, it always has, but I haven’t been as appreciative of it as I am now. 

Green is everything. It’s the color of grass, leaves, bugs, fruit, vegetables and the mighty dollar. 

Green means go! It’s bright, fresh and calming. It’s motivation for going about my day-to-day life. Green is delicious! Especially in the form of broccoli roasting in the oven, or ripe avocados being smeared on toast, two of my favorite meals. Green is to be conscious of Mother Nature and all her fertile lands. 

Green represents a complete makeover of me. It has helped me love myself and my personal style more and more. Every day, I think and dream of new ways to incorporate green into my outfits and day-to-day life. I fill my entire life with green; therefore, I love my life. The lushness that surrounds me puts a smile on my face and the faces of others who see me. 

As someone who used to feel insecure about how I was perceived, green has taught me that the only person I need to impress is myself. Green has helped me find confidence in self-expression, and I now have a pretty clear idea of what I want to put out into the world. Even if it is not exactly conventional, I never care. I no longer want society’s expectations to affect how I live my life. Green is the beat of my drum, and I will continue to follow the beat as long as possible. 

It may seem weird that I haven’t mentioned my friends or family yet when talking about something I love, but it’s because green applies to them too. Green is in everything I find beautiful. Of course, my best friends aren’t actually green, but I love them dearly and they encourage me to wake up every day, just like green does.

I love…finding and celebrating my true self

I love American Girl dolls.

That’s something I used to be terrified to admit to anyone. But over the past couple of years, I’ve learned to really embrace my passion and have become eager to share it with anyone who’s willing to listen.

There are so many things that I absolutely love: my family, my friends, the color orange. However, the one thing that has remained consistent in my life for the past 15 years is my American Girl doll collection. 

During the pandemic, I made an American Girl Doll Instagram and found the most wonderful online community, making lifelong friends. Having a creative outlet to pursue my photography and art skills further has done me a world of good.

I adore my dolls and the collection I’ve built over the years. I’ve dedicated so much time to these 18-inch pieces of vinyl.

Taking my dolls to my classes, taking photos of them in public, and matching my outfits with them has been an outlet for me to explore my own personal style and come out of the shell I once felt so trapped within.

My philosophy is, if someone doesn’t like my doll collection, they aren’t worth my time. 

Having a niche that isn’t exactly “normal” to most 21-year-olds has been scary, but it has become so rewarding. After so long, I finally feel like me and it’s the best feeling I’ve ever felt.