February is the second month of the year and has 28 days, except in leap years when it has 29 days. I am always a little tense when this month rolls around because of the pressure of having someone special to spend the most famous lover’s holiday with. Once again, I have no one in my life who I will be pulling out all the stops for. All hope isn’t lost. I find solace in celebrating the month in other ways.

February is known for several important events and holidays, such as:

1. Black History Month – A month-long celebration of the achievements and contributions of African Americans to the history and culture of the United States.
2. Valentine’s Day – A holiday celebrated on February 14th to honor love and affection between intimate companions.
3. Presidents’ Day – A federal holiday in the United States, observed on the third Monday of February to honor the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

I am 39% African-American. My mother is Black and I was raised by the Black side of my family. Being multiracial was always built upon my African-American foundation. Culturally, I am Black so Black History Month is a special time to me. My minor is in African and African-American Diaspora studies and digging into my culture, history, and everything melanin made me who I am today.

In 2016 I founded my organization Ihunaanya with the intention of bringing wellness to the Black community through hikes, campouts, and backpacking while focusing on mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects. I used yoga, meditation, and play as ways to instill love in the community–hence the name, Ihunaanya. In 2020, I was burnt out and paused my events. I got certified in Life and Mindfulness coaching yet haven’t brought back my events.

This February, my goal is to figure out a way to bring back this part of me and bring my knowledge back to the community. I would love to start by pairing my coaching skills with my events. So, be on the lookout and hold me accountable to this because I know this will be a good move for me!

February is also a time for winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, and is the month of the Winter Olympics, which take place every four years. The first time I ever went snowboarding was in February on Valentine’s Day. My ex-boyfriend took me and I had a blast. However, I was completely untrained and when we went, he had a lot of faith in my ability to learn quickly! We got on the lift and were dropped off at the top of the mountain. I’ve climbed the second tallest mountain in the United States, but standing at the top of this mountain unable to stand with my snowboard, had me terrified. I ended that day with gigantic purple bruises and soaking wet. A lot of lessons learned during that trip. Yet, I cannot wait to go again and feel the icy cold wind on my cheeks.

In addition to these events, February is a great time to reflect on personal goals and make plans for the year ahead. Whether it’s taking care of one’s health, starting a new hobby, or pursuing a new career, February provides the perfect opportunity to set new intentions and make positive changes. Spring is right around the corner, so as February begins, I’m also setting my eyes on planning for the fresh season. This is a time to be a farmer of your life and start to plan for planting the seeds you’ve gathered all through the winter. This is the year of change. I’m still set on changing my life this year. For one full month, I’ve been a blogger and podcaster. I’ve interviewed a Rugby Olympian, celebrity makeup artist, popular music artist, designer/photographer, and up next a TV star doctor. Life is headed in the right direction.

So, embrace the shortest month of the year and make the most of it!