It’s at this time of the year, loved one’s exchange cards and gifts in the shape of romantic experiences, chocolates, and flowers.
However, Valentine’s Day isn’t solely about romantic surprises, but also about celebrating love in all shapes and forms.
By the middle of the 18th, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes, and by 1900 printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one’s feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine’s Day greetings. Today, according to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, making Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year (more cards are sent at Christmas).
But is there a better way? A more permanent way?
Yes indeed! By celebrating love every day! And not just to loved ones, spouses and partners. But to any and every one you get in contact with. Every day, at every occasion! By acting kind, loving and with respect in all situations. We’ve all held grudges, we’ve all held anger inside of us. We may have even plotted revenge at one point or another in life. All of those things exude negativity and create ongoing conflict. Forgive. Let it go. Daily.
Your life will never be trouble free, not by any means, but your soul can be at peace with those around you, creating a better world, one act of kindness at a time.
Regardless of what you choose to do on Valentine’s Day, some simple acts of kindness can go a very long way.
