– Roberta Sage Hamilton
It’s nice that Valentine’s Day has become more than a day that’s just for those whose love is romantic. It’s become a time to celebrate life and love, and loved ones. It’s about friendship, caring, and sharing. To send a card or buy some flowers or food for someone is an action that begins in the heart. How wonderful it is that this physical heart that’s pumping blood and keeping us alive is also a barometer for our health and wellness emotionally. St. Valentine, himself, I’m sure, didn’t know the impact he would have on human hearts.
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
Someone I know has right now gone to buy chicken and ribs for the two superintendents in her condo as a Valentine’s Day present. A good friend and I went out for a Valentine’s Day lunch on Wednesday and we exchanged Valentine’s Day cards. I received a Valentine’s day card in the mail from another good friend and her family earlier in the week and it brought joy to my heart. I myself sent two Valentine’s Day cards – one to an aunt in England and the other to a cousin in Toronto. Unbeknownst to me, they had communicated with each other and expressed their heart-felt delight in having received these. It really is about the heart and what’s in it, isn’t it?
Sometimes in life, it’s not people, but pets who open our hearts and teach us how to love. They can’t do anything for us. My cat doesn’t know anything about Valentine’s day and I will not receive a card, flowers, chocolates, or any other tangible gift. What I will receive is that look of love in her eyes, being able to touch her whenever I want, and a feeling of being unconditionally loved. It’s nice too that this isn’t just on Valentine’s Day but everyday.
― Charles Dickens
Everything in life isn’t about romance and that’s alright. Some people are lonely on Valentine’s Day because they are not romantically involved or have lost their romantic partner. The great love is gone. There are still little loves – friend to friend, brother to sister, student to teacher. Will you deny yourself comfort at the hearthfire of a cottage because you may no longer sit by the fireplace of a palace? Will you deny yourself to those who reach out to you in hopes of warming themselves at your hearthfire?” ― Mercedes Lackey, Magic’s Pawn
This is where self-love come in. The same compassion and care we show to others, we can give to ourselves. It’s time to go to the bakery and buy yourself a Valentine’s Day cookie or cupcake. You can have a nice cup of tea with it. How about buying a few candles at the same time? You can light those in the evening and listen to some of your favourite music. Your company can be the best company sometimes.
– Oscar Wilde
If that isn’t an option, you can have a party and invite a few other people who are alone over. Go to the dollar store and buy a few decorations. You can order in pizza or serve cold cuts. Better yet, ask everyone to bring something along. I once had a Valentine’s Day Tea and invited two friends over. I wasn’t lonely – just wanted to have a fancy tea. It’s all about having an open heart. Alone can be an opportunity.
Whatever your plans are for this Valentine’s Day, alone or with others, open your heart. Be kind to yourself and others. It’s all in the heart!
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
