Blessed is the influence of one true, loving human soul on another.
~George Eliot
Valentine’s Day is bigger than cupid and chocolates. It’s more than a dinner date or flowers.
It’s a day of cherishing relationships and opportunities to show how much you value and appreciate the people who make your life richer and more satisfying.
Too often, words like “rejoice” are saved for December holidays. But what if you rejoiced in love and relationships much more often? Why not start with a holiday made for it?
Revel in the love you share with your partner.
If you are part of a couple this Valentine’s Day, then make the most of it! This holiday was designed for expressions of love and appreciation.
The traditional fare such as flowers, candy, and jewelry are tried and true. But, what if you took advantage of the day to truly share your heart with the love of your life?
Write loving feelings down so that your partner can read them again and again. Communicate your love with undeniable clarity. Leave no doubt about your feelings.
Delight in your partnership. Recount your experiences together. Imagine how different things might have been if you hadn’t been there for each other. Voice your gratitude.
Express love openly to your family and friends.
Just a month or so ago, you may have concluded the winter holidays with a pledge to “stay in touch” with loved ones. Your New Year’s vow may have been to “spend more time with family.” Here’s your chance to make good on those promises and resolutions.
Call your parents, siblings, and close friends. Drop a “thinking of you” valentine in the mail. Take your children out for a Valentine’s brunch or afternoon date for coffee or hot chocolate.
Show them all that you love them. Spend some time reminding people you cherish that they are the best part of your world.
Join your community to show love for those in need.
Community service, volunteers, and charitable donations taper off after the winter holidays. Feelings of goodwill fade, and community groups start to struggle. Stage a resurgence of love.
With a gathering of like-minded people, volunteer at a shelter or food shelf for a few hours on Valentine’s Day. Pitch in together to make a generous monetary gift.
Offer forgiveness to challenging people.
Let the holiday soften hard feelings. Take time to reach out and let someone who hurt you know that you are ready to let it go. It may be the best valentine you could give them or yourself.
Intentionally show more love to yourself.
Be everything you’d want a partner to be. Be kind to yourself. Be compassionate. Be patient. Be your own best friend.
Celebrate love with people who share your faith or worldview.
Invite members of your group together the week of Valentine’s Day for a potluck or progressive dinner. Enjoy the sense of community, camaraderie, and fellowship that deepens your bond.
Empty your love bucket every chance you get.
The beauty of love is that love given freely is returned abundantly. Love is bigger than flower deliveries and dinner out.
Share your heart with those that matter to you. Open your heart to those who don’t. Make yourself available to people who need someone to care.
Rejoice in love on Valentine’s Day.
Take time to share love intentionally and openly. You’ll be better for it.
Denise Kautzer is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Certified Public Accountant whose practice is located in St. Paul, MN. You can view her website at www.denisekautzer.com or email her at denise@denisekautzer.com.