Valentin's Day and Other Things that Scare Us

I feel as though Valentine's Day has been given a bad reputation. So many of my friends seem to do one of two things...

1) The "Have to":
Going through the motions is something we do a lot. We get through a tough day at work by going through the motions. We eat our vegetables three times a day because we have to.  We pay our bills, sit back, and think to ourselves, "There, I can check that off my list now!" These are things that are, many times meaningless and time consuming. And yet... More of us feel like we HAVE TO face Valentine's Day and just get through it so we can move on with the rest of our lives.
So sad.

or

2) The "We Don't Celebrate Valentine's Day":
Ah yes. We hate corporate America and everything "they" stand for. God forbid they contrive a holiday dedicated to loving others just so they can sell us stuff! How dare they! Don't get me wrong... I get the back lash. We all have a knee jerk reaction when we are told we have to do something.




The thing is, I like doing things for my friends and loved ones. I guess it just rubs me the wrong way when a nice day dedicated to loving others is taken to too many stressful extremes.  I don't see what is so bad about having a day set aside to makes others feel special. Yes, I do agree with the idea of making people feel special every day, but let's be honest. We don't do it!

I tell my husband I love him every day. He knows he is loved and so do my parents and friends. But every day... is every day, and special IS SPECIAL! We all love the feeling of something unexpected. Seeing a card on the table with your name on it. Showing up to work and seeing a co-worker baked cookies for the office. Or getting a special gift in the mail from Mom. These are things that do not happen every day, and yet, they bring a little joy and excitement to the normal routine of life.

Don't let a silly day designed to boost greeting card sales stress you out. Let it bring out the best in you! Without spending any money at all, we can let someone know we love them. Personal notes or love letters, cooking a meal or sweets, going for a walk, or just making a phone call. These are things that put a smile on all our faces. Pass on the love today!

Here's to a beautiful Valentine's Day!

-amber  <3