It’s February – the love month.
Actually, we didn’t have to wait until February to begin thinking about it, did we? Stores in my area had the Valentines and candy hearts out the day after Christmas! After all, no retailer worth his/her salt would let a day go by without gearing up for the next big $$$ event.
Yes, retailers love Valentine’s Day, and here’s why. The National Retail Federation estimates that Americans will spend $18.2 billion (that’s billion with a “B”) on Valentine goodies. Here’s how it breaks down – jewelry $4.3 billion, flowers $2 billion, candy $1.7 billion, greeting cards $1 billion, and then, of course, when you add in dinner and a movie, it’s easy to get to some serious money. In fact, the NRF concludes that the $18.2 billion breaks down to $136.57 per person. Wait a minute…I don’t think I’ve been getting my share!
But putting Jewelry, candy, and flowers aside for a minute, let’s focus on love. Real love. Genuine love. “No-matter-what” love. That kind of love isn’t limited to a day or a month on the calendar and can’t be measured in dollars. To play off a couple of TV commercials from some years back –
Jewelry — $4.3 billion
Flowers — $2 billion
The Real Thing – Priceless
Let’s face it. It easy to love some folks, right? Your spouse, best friend, significant other. Your siblings, children, grandchildren (especially grandchildren). It’s not so easy, however, to love a bunch of other people, especially those who look, act, and believe in a way that’s contrary to your looks, actions, and beliefs. And wouldn’t you agree that even those whom you say you love the most can occasionally (or frequently) push your buttons and challenge your capacity to love them? Probably.
But what if…? What if you made the decision that today, or for the entire month of February, you would love everyone you encounter? Just love them – no questions, no criticism, no judgment. Just love them. Just because they’re human beings. Just because they’re God’s children.
And while you’re loving others, don’t forget to love yourself. You’re pretty great – as Mr. Rogers said, “…just the way you are”.
Are you willing to step up and give it a try? For most of you, myself included, it won’t be easy. Old habits, old thought patterns die hard. Will people notice? Maybe. Maybe not. But I’m willing to bet that if you make the effort, you’ll notice. You’ll notice something different about yourself and the way you feel. You’ll be happier, less stressed, more peaceful.
And the only thing you need to change is your thoughts.
I’m in. Are you?
P.S. Of course, if you want to show a little extra love for those really special people in your life, jewelry, flowers, and candy are always welcome. ❤️
©2019 Julie Alexander
