In high school, my 10th-grade boyfriend gave me a big white teddy bear for Valentine’s Day. I was over the moon. I loved that bear. Like, in an I took it to college and still slept with it kind of love.
But as I have gotten older, my excitement for Valentine’s Day has waned. I now look at this day with a sense of ugh. And, it’s not because I am single. Even when I was married and in relationships since my divorce, Valentine’s Day is just an overblown holiday to me.
But you know what’s not overblown?
Love
Don’t we all think our world could use a little more love these days? In our families. In our neighborhoods. In our offices. In our world.
And, you know who is really good at showing love and kindness to others? Little kids. So let’s take a lesson for the littles in our lives on how we can show love to others this Valentine’s Day.
Hand out Valentine’s cards in your office or place of work. Stay with me here…how long has it been since you received the small card with a sucker or Pixie Stick stuck in it? Even with their silly sayings, these small cards have a way of bringing a smile to those who receive them. These days there are so many designs to choose from and they’re an inexpensive way to show care to others. Take a step further and if possible leave it your neighbor’s mailbox!
Treat your neighbors. Life is like a box of chocolates…or conversation hearts. Consider buying a small bag of pre-boxed candies and sharing them with your neighbors. Conversation hearts have evolved with the times and now you can even get them with emojis!
Write love notes. Think of this as the grown-up Valentine’s Day version of the Snap Cup! Grab some pink, red and white construction paper or even some index cards to write a note for those you’ll see on Valentine’s Day. It doesn’t have to be poetic prose, just a note of thanks or encouragement jotted down for those around you…your children’s teachers, your postman, the woman who hands your coffee or the teenager who brings your groceries out.
Pay it forward. While kids don’t technically do this, they are pretty good at sharing their Valentine’s Day spoils. So when you’re in line treating yourself to your favorite coffee (or tea!) beverage, how about going ahead and paying for the car behind you? You could even ask the drive-through attendant to hand the driver one of your handy Valentine’s Day cards!
Jen Hatmaker once said we don’t have to agree with everyone to love them. {[tweetthis display_mode=”button_link”]We don’t have to agree with everyone to love them. – Jen Hatmaker[/tweetthis]} As adults, be it in the workplace, the gym or, dare I say, driving on the interstate, we can struggle when it comes to loving those who annoy, frustrate or just think and act differently than we do. How about this Valentine’s Day we put that aside for just a moment, take a lesson from the littles, and show love in a small act of kindness.
What ways do you like to show love to others, whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just a Wednesday? If you show some love on V-Day, share the love below in the comments!
Sarah Koontz (@sarahekoontz) says
I love the idea about paying it forward! Although, I must add that my kids don’t have a choice about whether or not to share their valentine spoils (especially if it’s chocolate). Thanks for this important reminder to be intentional in loving my spouse today!
Julie says
There are times that I think the best thing about having kids is the spoils! ; Splitting the spoils is a great way to encourage sharing, isn’t it?
Kelly Weaver says
Great reminder and challenge Julie!!! Being married for almost 22 years and my kids a bit older… this day has become a bit Blah for me as well. Taking your words to heart and will help spread the LOVE a bit more intentionally! Thank you for your positive words!
Julie says
We can get some comfortable in our longevity, can’t we? Make sure you share how you spread the love with intention!