Love the one you're with all the time. (That would be you.)
Whether coupled up or not, there are two very definite camps when it comes to Valentine’s Day: you either “do” it, or you don’t. While I’ve never been one who felt inclined to share my feelings simply because the calendar tells me “it’s time,” I’ve noticed a changing of my tune on the subject of Valentine’s Day in the last few years. I think maybe it’s because the world seems to have gone a little off kilter, and that many of us have forgotten that, when you get down to the nitty gritty, love is the only thing that matters. Musically put, “what the world needs now is love, sweet love.” So if one day a year people are encouraged to think about love, then Valentine’s Day can’t be all bad.
The key, really, is to expand our expectations of Valentine’s Day. First of all, who says it’s just for lovers? Not me. For the last several years, I’ve hidden a card (it can be home-made, or just a note) and a small treat in my kids’ lunch bags to find at school. (Now, I pop one in the mail for my daughter who`s off at university.)
A few far-flung friends and relatives might also get a card in the mail. Think about it: don’t you love getting mail that isn’t a bill? Wouldn’t it make you feel special to know someone thought about you with enough foresight to actually have a card delivered to you from across the country on-time? For those who don’t get a paper acknowledgement, on February 14 everyone I speak with on the phone or via email gets a “happy Valentine’s Day” from me. Why? Because I care about them. And in case I haven’t been clear about it lately, I just want them to know.
But the definition of Valentine’s Day can expand still. And, indeed, I think it must. What I mean is that love really starts within. We all must love and honour ourselves, or to be frank, we aren’t much good for anybody else anyway.
This Valentine’s Day I encourage you to do something special for yourself. Buy yourself some flowers. Book yourself a massage, or treat yourself to a new item of clothing. Or simply lock yourself in the bathroom for at least 15 minutes with a warm tub and a good book. Meditate, pray or journal on the blessings in your life and your gratitude not only for what life brings you, but what you bring to life.
Until next time,
Let`s all walk the talk!
Lisa
