It’s February, a time when Valentine’s Day is celebrated and cupids abound. In fact, to get in the mood and begin writing this article, I decided to bask in the inspirational energy from a group of local cherubs. So, here I sit enjoying the ambiance of a darling cafe in Alamo—Cherubini Coffee House. As I settle into the cozy atmosphere, sculptures and paintings featuring cherubs surround me. Before long, my writing begins to percolate … alongside my delicious decaf latte.
Now, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I want to check in with you. How are you feeling? Are you excited to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a “special someone”? Or, are you feeling pressured to find the perfect gift and plan a romantic outing with your sweetheart (without burdening your credit card)? On the other hand, maybe you’re currently single and feeling a bit left out from all the hearts and flowers hoopla.
Either way, I suggest we all consider a broader view of Valentine’s Day—so that we express appreciation and love toward others throughout the month and the year. What a concept, eh? Now, don’t get me wrong, if you have a significant other, I vote for gobs of heartfelt nurturing and affection as well as a specific romantic celebration for Valentine’s Day as a couple. However, to explore a broader view, let’s start by … defining LOVE.
First, as mentioned above, love can describe romantic feelings we have toward another person, such as a “sweetheart” or a spouse. Next, love can describe feelings of affection, appreciation, and compassion toward various family members (including a spouse), a dear friend, or an animal (such as a pet). Meanwhile, a spiritual form of love can describe how we feel toward God or a Higher Power. And finally, love can describe a deep interest that brings us joy when we experience it. For example, you may love to hike in nature, to paint, to dance, to play a musical instrument, or to play softball.
So, how about letting this Valentine’s Day serve as an opportunity to let your loved ones know how important they are to you? Now, whether you’re married, cohabiting, widowed, divorced, or single…consider honoring various forms of love in your life. Maybe you let your loved ones know by expressing appreciation when you see them in person, or by offering sincere and affirming words written in an email or in a greeting card.
Speaking of greeting cards, I would like to tell you about a wonderful Valentine’s Day that I experienced as a kid. Ahh … this fond memory took place when I was in first grade — that’s when my classmates and I were given an assignment of each creating … a paper mailbag.
Now, let me explain. Initially, about a week before Valentine’s Day, my teacher, dear Mrs. Tundle, handed out pre-cut paper pieces that included punched holes around all of the edges. Next, she distributed long strands of red yarn to each of us. Then, Mrs. Tundle instructed us to connect the pieces of paper by “sewing” them together with our strands of red yarn. She demonstrated a threading technique that required no needle or sewing machine—just yarn, paper, and two tiny, semi-coordinated hands.
Just so you know, I’ve been a creative soul, as far back as I can remember—so transforming paper into a cool new object was exciting! Meanwhile, after all the sewing was completed and my classmates and I were each holding our handmade paper mailbags, we were given an additional assignment. Mrs. Tundle invited us to take our mailbags home, decorate them with crayons, and then fill them with little Valentine’s Day cards — one for each of our fellow classmates … and not just the kids we liked.
As you can imagine, when February 14th rolled around a week later—there was a delightful flurry of Valentine’s Day cards being exchanged by us kids. No one was left out. Then, at the end of the day I remember proudly and happily schlepping my bulging paper mailbag home. My mailbag, which was barely being held together by the red yarn, was literally brimming with adorable Valentine’s Day cards! On that special day, my classmates and I could be seen smiling from ear to ear (even those of us who were painfully shy). Most likely, each of us was brimming with feelings of acceptance … appreciation and LOVE.
Now, if you decide to take my Valentine’s suggestion to heart, then consider creative ways to let your loved ones know how important they are to you and how much you appreciate them. Finally, to further expand this model, let’s actively seek to lessen scarcity consciousness. In this way, as individuals, partners, family members, community members, and as “world members,” we will continue to create abundance by experiencing many, many profound forms… of appreciation and LOVE throughout 2012.
Trina’s Upcoming Workshop: If you have a goal of losing excess weight, then plan to attend Trina’s empowering Walnut Creek workshop (for women and men): Managing Emotional and Compulsive Eating—John Muir Women’s Health Center. Many forms of emotional hungers, including a hunger for LOVE, will be addressed during this inspiring workshop Wednesday, February 29, 6:30-8:30 pm. Cost: $40 (Includes Weight Loss: 2-CD set). Seats are limited—register today: (925) 941-7900 option 3. For more info, go to www.TrinaSwerdlow.com; click on “Private Sessions & Workshops.”
Trina Swerdlow, BFA, CCHT, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, an artist, and the author and illustrator of Stress Reduction Journal: Meditate and Journal Your Way to Better Health. Trina has a private practice in downtown Danville. She soulfully shares her creative approach to personal growth and passionately supports her clients in reaching their goals. You can reach her at: (925) 285.5759, or info@TrinaSwerdlow.com.
Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.
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