“I have learned not to worry about love; but to honor its coming with all my heart.”
Alice Walker
There are many people who, when asked about Valentine’s Day, remark that it is simply a made-up holiday that puts tremendous pressure on people to spend money and make overt exclamations of love in grand ways. In other words, they get very cynical about the whole thing.
Me, I am not cynical about it. My husband came home today with my favorite flower – hydrangeas. A simple gesture that spoke volumes. It didn’t need to be anything at all but that he did meant a lot. All year long we make it a point to show how we love and appreciate each other every day. What is the harm in having a day that reminds us that every day we should be loving to ourselves and to others?
I say remind us because love is something that we should not take for granted nor should we assume is there for us. It takes patience, attention and kindness. Whether the love of a partner or spouse, the love of a family member or friend, the love for an acquaintance – it is still something rare and special. Love should make us more caring and generous in spirit. Loving another should not diminish us but rather strengthen us. Even more important by loving and caring for others we help them find the best version of themselves.
So, on this Valentine’s Day, if it is the name of the day that gives you pause, remember the feeling the day is intended to invoke and reach out and show some love. Then continue it all year long.