It’s February: the month of love, Valentine’s Day, hearts, cupids, candy and all things red. We often think of Valentine’s Day as a day to do something for and give something to the ones we love.
Without being selfish, I suggest that we spend this “month of love” loving ourselves. Even the airlines order us to take care of ourselves first: “In an emergency, oxygen masks will drop down from above your seat. Make sure that your own mask is on first before helping other people.” The meaning of these instructions is clear: Take care of yourself, love yourself.
For me, loving myself can be as simple as watching the sunset (or sunrise or both), going for a walk around the block, buying fresh flowers or having a bowl of ice cream. What are some simple ways in which you can take a moment to love yourself?
If you have more than a moment, you could take in a play, walk through a park, attend a ball game, read a book, have lunch with a friend — or make your own ice cream. The possibilities of loving yourself are endless!
As you make more time to love yourself, you might want to take a class (exercise, art, language, history, etc.), volunteer in the community, plant a garden or visit all the ice cream shops in the county. Oh, there are so many wonderful opportunities to love yourself.
You might also want to attend a program at the senior center. During the month of February, the Urbana Senior Center will be hosting these special programs:
Valentine’s Day Dessert Party: Tuesday, Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m.
You don’t have to be part of a couple to enjoy Valentine’s Day. Join us for our Valentine’s Day Dessert Party! Come by yourself, with a friend or a spouse.
History of the Urbana Area: Tuesday, Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m.
What to know more about the history of the Urbana Area? Gil House will give a presentation about the area. There will also be a questions and answer time.
Leap Year Fun: Feb. 29, 1 p.m.
It only comes once every four years! Join us for an afternoon of Leap Year trivia, fun facts and games.
There are so many ways to love yourself at the senior center. In addition to our special programs we also have our regular scheduled activities. Here’s just a sampling of what we offer: an omelet bar the third Wednesday of each month, knitting/crochet group, exercise-to-video, Wii bowling, drawing club, men’s discussion group, blood pressure screening, cards, board games, day trips and meeting new people.
Each month we publish a complete schedule of our programs. You can get a copy of the monthly calendar at the senior center or on our website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/doa, by calling 301.600.7020 or at the Urbana Senior Center (9020 Amelung Street; bottom floor of the Urbana Regional Library building).
Editor’s Note: Susan Hofstra is coordinator of the Urbana Senior Center, Frederick County Department of the Aging.