Ready for Valentines? This holiday always sneaks up on me. I know it’s commercial – but honestly, I am totally bought in. An entire day dedicated to letting people know that I love them? Yep, that works for me. It’s fun, it’s silly, it’s low pressure.
In the last year, I’ve made an intentional effort to let in love – and to express it more openly. I find myself loving – children, friends, colleagues – easily and sincerely. But I know that Valentines will sneak up on me again, so I’m trying to plan ahead. I already know that my sweet “sister-in-loves” will receive texts or poems from me. But what traditions could we begin today that will remind others that they are loved – that will create a smile, forge a connections, maybe change a life?
Begin with You
Ah the easiest one to forget. What gift will you give to yourself on Valentine’s? Because only by fully embracing yourself can you sincerely give to others. It’s a funny little trick – if you know that you are ok, you can enjoy others more easily. So, schedule a special moment for yourself. Maybe a massage on the 14th? Or a bath with chocolate close at hand? Sitting down to read a book that you adore – a mystery, a love story – whatever you need. Or perhaps on Valentines, just for one day, you will give up something – like sugar or meat. Maybe you will add something – try a new exercise class just for the day. No pressure. Don’t try to do it forever. Just see if you enjoy whatever you do for you. Maybe the experience of trying something new, of having the courage to put yourself out there will be enough.
Flagology Gift Idea: Create a small custom flag for yourself with an inspirational quote, positive affirmation, or picture of who/how you want to be. Use suction cup hangers to hang it on your window or mirror where you will see it every morning and every evening. Quotes can change our lifes. My favorite right now is “Lighthouses don’t go running all over the island, searching for boats to save. They just stand and shine their light.” I love that.
Sharing Your Love with your Children
I get so excited thinking about how to make my daughter feel loved on Valentine’s Day. This year, I am giving her a card on Friday morning, telling her how proud I am of her and listing 10-15 things about her that I love. I’ll list her crazy sense of humor, how kind she is to her friends, and how she lets small things roll right off her back. I’ll talk about her strength and her determination to find joy on even the hardest day. I hope I communicate these things to her every day, but on Valentine’s I’ll have the chance to say them out loud while she squirms in her seat & looks the other way – and grins that big 12 year old smile.
Flagology Gift Idea: Create a custom photo flag with your child’s name and picture on it and give it to him/her along with a card. The flag could say “I Love You Because…” and include a main idea from your card. The flag could be hung in your child’s bedroom, on a bulletin board, or persevered with the card in his/her “special box” of keepsakes. Or choose a special piece of their artwork & make that into a flag. Kids love to know that we are proud of them, of who they are, of what they have created.
Don’t Forget Grandma
Ah, love across generations. I already yearn for the day that I hold my granddaughters hand. The simplicity of loving a grandchild is the best gift of all. One creative idea for this year is to teach our children to remember dates that are important to those we love. Sit down with your child and make a calendar of holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions that are important to your family and friends. For each occasion, plan ahead to send a card, email, gift, text or other message just to let them know you’re thinking about them. Spend some time with them over breakfast next Friday sending out fun texts to friends that you love. Involving our children in this teaches them how to express their love and allows them to feel the rewards of giving to others.
Flagology Gift Idea: Make Grandma a garden flag with pictures of your children – and let your child/children decide what text to put on the flag. You could prompt them with a starter phrase like “I love you because….” Or “Our Grandma is the Best Because …”
Do you have a special tradition or idea to spread more love around the world during this season of Love and Friendship? Leave us a comment below and let us know your ideas!
