I have always considered it a timely blessing that in the midst of the cold, bleak winter, we have a holiday dedicated to the celebration of Love.
While January is a welcome month of rest and recuperation after the busy Christmas season, by February we are tired of the snow, freezing temperatures, and the cold and flu season.
Many people experience depression, claustrophobia, and seasonal affective disorder.
So what better time to have an attitude adjustment by getting "out of ourselves" and thinking about those we love, by expressing, our hearts on Valentine's Day?As the saying goes, "The love in your heart wasn't put there to stay; love isn't love till you give it away.
" Like anything, Valentine's Day is what we make it.
We can see it as a "holiday of obligation," when we have to appease our significant other with some material offering, lest we really be left out in the cold.
Feeling the pressure of commercialism is enough to ruin the spirit of any occasion.
Yet the symbols of Valentine's Day,red hearts and roses, chocolates and cupids, can offer a little color to the otherwise basic black and white winter scenario.
It can be a time of creative self expression when we think of ways to make others happy, which is a guaranteed way to ensure our own happiness in return.
Though Valentine's Day has traditionally been a special time for lovers, it can also be an opportunity to celebrate universal love.
Why limit it? "What the world needs now is love sweet love, no not just for some but for everyone.
" Burt Bachrach However you choose to express your love to others on February 14, now is the time to start preparing, so you can enjoy the creative process.
Here are some fun ideas to inspire you to put your heart into this Valentine's Day.
1.
Send lots of Valentines - Buy or make your own cards out of construction paper using lacey paper doily hearts and stickers.
Let your inner child come out and remind you of those cut and paste skills that you learned in kindergarten.
Write love notes and mail them with love stamps.
Send them to your friends and family that sent you Christmas cards.
2.
Write a poem - Instead of watching, TV some night, enjoy some quiet time to compose your thoughts on paper.
Let your feelings for someone bring out the music in you, or become a scribe by writing the words of your favorite poets.
3.
Plan a celebration - Prepare a favorite meal at home, tomatoes, red wine and chocolate are known to be aphrodisiacs.
Decorate with flowers, candles and incense to create a beautiful atmosphere.
Compile a collection of you favorite love songs for an evening of inspirational music and dancing.
4.
Call someone you know - have a heart-to-heart talk.
5.
Send flowers - Brighten up someone's winter day.
Have fun and celebrate all the love in your life, making February a very warm and wonderful month.