THE CHALLENGE DAY 15

This past week brought about a holiday that evokes a whole host of emotions from people:  Valentine’s Day (also known as Single’s Awareness Day – S.A.D.).  It is a horrible/wonderful/loving/lonely/despised/cheerful/over hyped/fun day to celebrate those we love.  The week started with conversations of people asking “what are your plans?” And then the transition to “how did it go?”  Followed by the usual remark (by singles and couples alike) “Don’t you just hate this overrated Hallmark holiday?” 

Ok, I am going to play Devil’s advocate and keep reading to hear me out for just a moment.  The intent of Valentine’s Day is to set aside, officially on the calendar, time to spend with loved ones and formulate a gesture to show them your love and gratitude.  Is this so terrible?  Is this really the worst idea in the world propelled by the flower and chocolate companies to make a quick buck post Christmas?  I would argue NO, it isn’t. 

A common theme in my writing and in my own personal thoughts is to live a life filled with intention.  Valentine’s Day does call attention to love, but it doesn’t have to always be a romantic kind of love.  It can be a day that we intentionally celebrate family, friends, or a coworker that has brought a smile to our face.  If you spent Valentine’s Day with a scowl on your face and cursing every flower truck that drove by you because you were so focused on the fact that it probably wasn’t heading to your home of office as a result of an absent S.O. or forgetful husband then today’s challenge is just for you:  dedicate a day this week to expelling time, energy, and maybe even a little money on those that fill your life with love and support.  You might find out that they are eager to return the favor – and might have even offered to be your Valentine!  I know that, for me, my go to Valentine will always be my mother and father.  Everyone else is just icing on the cake.

The Challenge – Day 15

Physical

Show your body some love – it is your temple and your responsibility to keep it healthy.  Exercise, eat healthy, and drink plenty of water.  Calendaring that time never hurts.  Especially since we can all use a little reminder to set aside time for the things that matter.

Spiritual

The World uses plenty of media influence to get us to focus on us alone.  We focus on what we do and don’t have and if those that we depend upon are actually living up to those set expectations.  Stop.  Take a deep breath.  And look out to the world around you and stop looking inward – for just a moment.  Focus your mind on the blessings, love, and basic needs that are present in your life.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." – John F. Kennedy

Personal

I’m entirely serious about the Valentine’s Day Challenge.  If you spent the holiday with some disdain, or even if you didn’t, give it a ‘mulligan’ – in other words another shot.  I challenge you to put on your Outlook or iCalendar ‘Day of Love’ for some day in the week ahead and reach out to those who mean the most with a random act of kindness.  Silly as it may sound, I think that something warm and loving will fill you from the inside out.