Be My Valentine?

Yesterday was Valentine's day, a holiday I usually try to pretend doesn't exist. I adore those big romantic gestures, but I think they should come everyday and not just because an overly commercialized holiday tells you to go buy flowers and chocolate (though yes, I both bought and received the same). The thing about V day is that it can set people up to have high expectations and then feel disappointment when things don't play out the way you'd hoped.

Two years ago, V day fell just two weeks after a beau had ended a relationship with me. We'd talked about going to the Melting Pot to get fondue (my favorite restaurant) and then suddenly I found myself without plans and determined not to sit at home alone, bitter about the holiday. Why SHOULDN'T I still have fondue, just because I didn't have a date or a boyfriend? I called a bunch of my single girlfriends and planned a "Who needs cupid when there's chocolate?" fondue party... which ended up being a blast! Everyone brought a different dipper or two and I made first a cheese and then a chocolate fondue to be dipped into. I had fun buying party favors and candies, and made goodie bags, like what you used to get at birthday parties when you were in elementary school. We ended up with about 8 people there, and dressed up, put fun music on the radio, ate some yummy food and socialized. I had decorated my house with red and white christmas lights, a red table cloth with pink and white candles on it, and served red and white wine and pink punch. Seriously... it was so much fun, and my friends brought me little hostess gifts: a beautiful bouquet of pink tulips, sweet heartfelt cards, and a funny magnet for my fridge.

I think it's a shame that there's such commercialized emphasis placed on a day that was originally about uniting lovers in secret (as one legend goes). Why can't every day be about celebrating your love? And why are flowers three times more expensive on the days leading up to February 14th than they are the whole rest of the year? Here's my challenge to you: Pick three random dates between now and New Year's Eve. Mark on your calendar "Valentine's Day, Part 2" or 3 or 4 and then on that day, celebrate your love and affection with those in your inner circle. You need not tell them WHY you are sharing your love with them on, say, May 17. It will be enough that you are. Life is made richer by the love we put into it, and relationships blossom better than overpriced roses when you make an effort to express your gratitude. I charge you to add a little magic into your life and see what happens. And I want to hear what happens when you've done this.

Go forth in love and magic and the spirit of Valentine's day!

What I believe...

I believe that a piece of chocolate a day is good for you.

I believe that sunshine can make you happy.

I believe that fresh flowers brighten up a room, that snuggling raises endorphins, and that laughter truly is the best medicine.

I believe in dancing in the rain, jumping in puddles, and then taking a warm bath afterward.

I believe that a smile can alter someone's day, that a heartfelt thanks or heartfelt apology can protect a friendship, and that a hug can cure most minor ailments.

I believe in putting your best foot forward, acting with integrity, and treating others with the respect you wish to be afforded.

I believe that music can lift your mood, that the ocean is powerfully mighty, and that living honorably means living honestly.

I believe that good food can nourish your soul, as well as your body, and that a meal shared with friends can taste better than that same meal taken alone.

I believe you should let the people close to you know how you feel about them, and that you should do this often.

I believe that water is incredibly soothing, fire is mesmerizing and that success is determined more from the quality of your relationships than the quantity of your possessions.

I believe that home is your sanctuary, that high thread count can mean a better night's sleep, and that with great risk comes great reward.

I believe in leaving this world a better place than you found it, and that small changes can make a large difference.

But mostly, I believe in love.