Tomorrow is February 1st and the beginning of a month of hearts and flowers! I just love Valentine's Day. I used to not always embrace it as I do, now. In my earlier years, I would have a lot of anxiety around it—hoping someone would show me I was worthy to receive that heart-shaped box of candy or a bouquet of flowers.
At that time of my life I was looking for love outside of myself, rather than feel the love from within. Now, I have no expectations from Valentines Day. I use that holiday to celebrate and share the love I feel for my friends and family. Rather than expect my husband to treat me to a fancy dinner, I celebrate him by making him a beautiful meal and tell him how much I appreciate everything he does for us. My only expectation from him is that he buy me a cheesy card that says "To My Wife on Valentine's Day" on the front. I love it that I qualify to receive a "to my wife" card! <giggle>
One year, I decided to honor my girlfriends with an over-the-top tea party, complete with door prizes, silly valentine-themed gifts, and LOTS of scrumptious cookies and tea that was served from a beautiful samovar. It was amazing. I'm looking forward to doing that again, some year.
My life lesson: Love yourself and treat yourself like the loved one you are. Love others fully and without expectation—love, love, love 'em up! Forgive your own missteps. Forgive others missteps. If they are a bad dancer, show them how. If they continue to step on your feet, you can lovingly accept different dance partners and wish them well. After all, we're all just little children in grown-up bodies, just trying to get through this life with minimal suffering. Like my soul sister Donna Maltz said, "You may not like someone, but you've gotta love 'em!"
Blessings and love to you.
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| Valentine's Tea Party 2010 |
