February is…

Besides Black History Month, February is known as the Month of Love–that time of year when the flower, restaurant, chocolate, and card industry encourage us to spend money to appropriately convey affection and appreciation to the important people in our lives.  When the calendar flips to February 1st, we know to expect a stream of sweet ads and deals in our mailbox or inbox.

But, even if you don’t buy into these amour-minded gimmicks and suggestions, doesn’t it feel good to think about love, and how to best express your fondness, devotion and passion? 

Doesn’t it feel marvelous to welcome an emotion other than frustration, disgust, anxiety, and concern?

Just this morning, I received a home-baked tray of chocolate heart-shaped cookies from my grandson.  They were wrapped in newsprint and carefully tied with pink and purple ribbons. The gift tickled something in me I hadn’t felt in a while: tenderness. 

As I gazed at the homemade snacks, amity overtook the worry and dread I’ve allowed to take up too much space in my heart center.  The thoughtful but simple gift overwhelmed me. Quite unexpectedly, I was close to tears. My grandson’s plate of cookies got me thinking.  

When was the last time you were close enough to someone to give or receive a kindness? 

So, maybe the commercialization of love isn’t a scheme to scoff at this year. Perhaps this is the year that cards and notes and flowers and chocolates (or a plate of homemade cookies) are the perfect remedy for the “Worst Year Ever?” 

Since we’re discussing the affairs of the heart, it’s important to note that February is National Heart Month. February comes from the Latin word februum, which means purification. Besides showing appreciation for others, The American Heart Association reminds us that now is the opportune moment to show self-love by maintaining healthy practices. 

As I peruse the list above, there are a few items I personally flagged. While I blame some of my new bad habits on the pandemic-year, now that a more hopeful horizon becomes reality, I will invoke strategies to show my body more love. 

In closing, however over-used and trite they may seem–cards, flowers, chocolates, phone calls, love letters, and other small gifts–are simple way to send positive messages to our special circle of family and friends. Emphasizing the importance of love–love of our fellow man, love for our hearts and bodies, and love of ourselves–is essential. 

Love is better than hate. Love is stronger than anger. Love heals. Love begins in our hearts. Give some and you will get some.

As I have often done in the course of my life, I refer to a passage on love from I Corinthians 13 for inspiration:

Love
is patient
is kind
it does not envy
it does not boast
it is not proud
it is not rude
it is not self-seeking
it is not easily angered
it keeps no records of wrongs
Love never fails

I leave you with a challenge that I have given myself: 

How will you show love and appreciation this month and in the days and months ahead?

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