Valentine’s Day – Love it or leave it?

As with many special holidays like Christmas and Halloween, there are those that love Valentine’s day – and those that hate it. It’s all in how you look at it and what it means to you.

If you love it, perhaps it means romance, and the gifts, cards and fancy dinners that go along with that. If you hate it, perhaps it creates pressure for you – having to drum up romance on demand, whether you’re feeling it or not. Or maybe it brings up feelings of loneliness if you are in an unhappy relationship or not in a relationship at all.

If you are dreading Valentine’s Day, you may want to consider reframing it so you can actually enjoy it. Why not see it as a day for acting in an especially loving way – towards your lover perhaps, but also your neighbour, a friend, a pet, a family member, nature, or even a stranger. I mean, it’s great to act in a loving way all the time, but having a day set aside especially for this acts as a powerful reminder and motivator.

It could be having drink with someone that needs the company and conversation, putting money in a meter that’s about to run out, doing a chore without being asked, feeding the birds at the park, or leaving a generous tip. The possibilities are endless and personal. (Feel free to share your ideas in the comments below.)

Acting in a loving way creates happiness. It’s in the giving – and the loving – that we receive the greatest gift of all. Research proves this. Your own experience will reinforce it. Try it and you will feel so darn good!

You can also celebrate by acting in an especially loving way towards yourself. Treat yourself to something that matters to you – you deserve it.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you – you’ve touched my life in ways you can’t even imagine.