My ED by Ellen shoes
This week we have Valentine’s Day, a day both observed and rejected by many. For me, Valentine’s Day has always been about feeling gratitude for the love in my life. Not just romantic love, but all kinds of love. Love for friends, family, pets; love for the ocean, the grass, the sunshine; love for moments in time. I spin this so-called “Hallmark holiday” (although it is actually based on history, and it has a pretty dark origin) into a celebration of all love.
And so, instead of just placing emphasis on cards and chocolates, here are 5 ways to really spread love every day this week:
Monday: Think good thoughts about others.
Wish everyone well who crosses your path. Just in your head, think something like, “I hope something really awesome happens to you today.” It will make you feel more positive and spread good vibes to those around you. What you give is what you get. It was Roald Dahl who said, “If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.”
Tuesday: Write a note.
Write a letter to someone who needs to feel loved. Maybe it is a thank you note (even just a “thank you for being you”) or something you love about them. It might even be a sticky note that you place on a co-worker’s desk with something funny that will make them smile.
Wednesday: Call your parents.
On Valentine’s Day itself, call your parents (and your grandparents if they are around) and tell them you love them and appreciate them.
Thursday: Give flowers to a friend.
I have a friend who gardens, and she often surprises me with a little cup of flowers that she grew. It always brightens my day. Flowers and plants are wonderful mood lifters.
Friday: Do something kind for a stranger.
Buy their coffee. Pick up something they dropped. Smile at them. We know that the tiniest things brighten the days of others, but often we are too absorbed in our own thoughts (or our phones) to pay attention to strangers around us. Notice them.
This week, I encourage you to go about your week by intentionally spreading love through thinking, writing, calling, giving, and doing. Show others that you care. Be aware.
Happy week of love, y’all!
Bee
