Valentine’s Day.
When these two words are said, emotions run wild. Some people get happy and have mushy feelings. Others get bummed out.
I think that Valentine’s Day is a special day and has a great purpose. But to be honest, I think every day should be treated as Valentine’s Day. There is so much love to go around, and we shouldn’t wait for this holiday to share our love with others. Expressing love is done in a variety of ways and doesn’t always have to be between a man and a woman.
In my opinion, love is an action just as much as a feeling. It is showing care and respect towards others. It is doing something others aren’t strong enough to do. I can guarantee there is something you collegiettes can do in your daily lives to show love towards another person.
Here are some easy things you can do that will result in others feeling loved (and will make you feel gushy on the inside also).
1. Give a sincere compliment. Like what someone’s wearing? Tell them! Don’t you appreciate getting compliments?
2. Smile at a friend or, even better yet, a stranger. I’m a big advocate of smiling, and everyone says it can be a day brightener.
3. See someone who looks a little sad? Sit with them and simply have a conversation with them. Isn’t there a time you wanted someone to talk to and no one was there for you?
4. Call a friend or relative. It’s fun to hear from someone you haven’t spoken with in a while.
5. Write a happy note or a cute poem and slide it under your friend’s door. Oh also, don’t sign your name to it. This provides a little mystery and intrigue.
6. Volunteer for a charity, donate money or goods, or lend a helping hand any other way possible. Getting involved with a good cause helps spread love to many people in need. It feels and looks good. Also, it can be fun to find something you enjoy doing.
7. Give a hug. Sometimes you don’t realize how much you need one too.
8. Find a good inspirational quote or photo and share it with your friends. (Pinterest anyone?) Sometimes you can find something that’s touching and everyone can relate to.
9. Take the time to write or send a package to soldiers. They risk their lives sharing their love for us each and every day.
10. Say thank you to all the everyday heroes. Nurses, firefighters, police officers and everybody else who does something to help the community. They don’t always get the respect they deserve. And I from first hand experience know that they adore getting something that says thanks for being there always. It makes them understand why they continue do what they do, no matter how hard it may be.
You never know how much you can help someone with a little act of kindness. “Love can move mountains.” Why not start moving your own mountains today? Keep it up every day and you may notice your life feeling a lot better.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours. And remember, every day can be treated as the “day of love and happiness”.