- Embrace Valentine’s Day with love – Published 2/11/2015 in Entertainment & Life
Each February, as Valentine’s Day approaches, we think of hearts, flowers and love gifts. We search for the perfect card depicting romance. But this year, the love day has a new twist, colored by gray — “50 Shades of Grey” to be precise. The film is set to open in theaters on Valentine’s Day. Even those cuddly love bears have become hooked by the “Grey” frenzy; you can order them holding handcuffs and blindfolds. While some may think that these look cute on the bear, somehow the message of love and gratitude for the special person in one’s life is lost.
Here are seven ways to embrace Valentine’s Day, whether you will be spending it alone or with the love of your life. If you are looking for “the one,” sometimes it helps to clear our heads and hearts and prepare the path for love.
- Let go of worn-out friendships and relationships.
- Break old patterns that really hinder your happiness.
- Take a chance on an out-of-character relationship.
- Be more forgiving of others without losing your sense of self or your values.
- Laugh at yourself and be accepting of yourself.
- Forgive your past love mistakes.
- Move forward with a renewed sense of self and spirit.
Be aware that love has its risks. But as Dr. Leo Buscaglia, author of the book “Love,” once said: “Love is life. And if you miss love, you miss life.”
If you have been hurt by love, learn again how to embrace its mystery. Express love on Valentine’s Day to family, friends, children and to those who are lonely and need a smile from your heart.
For couples who are blessed to be in a love relationship — express gratitude. Write and mail a love note every day for seven days. Put a picture of the two of you when you met in a frame with a note that says, “This was one of the happiest days of my life.”
Or try filling a heart mug with small scrolls of paper tied in a red ribbon. On each paper write a love note as if it was a fortune cookie. However, be specific, such as:
“I am grateful for the days you lift my spirits when I’m sad.”
“I thank you for calling me when you are traveling.”
“I love when you send me an unexpected xoxo text.”
“I appreciate that you listen to me when I speak.”
Sometimes we assume that people in our lives know that we love them. But everyone likes to see how eyes brighten and smiles broaden when we look them straight in the eye and say, “I love you with my whole heart and soul.”
Rita Watson is a relationship columnist for the Providence Journal and PsychologyToday.com