VALENTINE'S DAY

     This is the day for us to pay tribute to our special loves, to express our gratitude and affection with poetic style; with flowers and love notes, fancy dinners, and romantic gifts. It is a day to lay all negative judgment and criticism aside, and to fully appreciate all of the best qualities in the one we love. Legends trace the history of Valentine's day back in time to secret weddings and ensuing love letters, and to the first known greeting cards sent quietly from inside heavily guarded Roman jails. It's a re-visitation of Chaucer's era, when maidens were meant to be wooed and courted with courtesy and grace. It's a celebration of romance, attraction, beauty; of tenderness, deep sentiment, and the red heart of love.
     It's easy and fun for those of us with obvious Valentines to fuss over. And even for those who are playing at the edge of romance. But I would challenge the single among us, who often mope and feel depressed on this day, to be Valentine to themselves. Why not take the day to appreciate the self without criticism? We are none of us particularly good at it, but why not? How about a bit of poetry in praise of our own virtues? Let's write our own Valentine! Let's buy a bouquet to please our own personal sense of the romantic! Or treat ourselves to a bubble bath and a beautiful meal.
     Whether we are "in a relationship" or not, we have to learn how to be loving with ourselves. That's our primary relationship and the one from which all others grow. We must learn to be tender and appreciative with ourselves, and to acknowledge our own value, so that we can pave the way for others who may come along and want to love us. We must know that we are lovable. As with so many things in life, the journey to fulfillment begins with us, right where we stand, and exactly with who we are.

I celebrate courtesy and romance today, and sing the praises of the one I love. And if it's not some intimate other, let it begin with the appreciation of me!