Can I tell you a secret...
...I've never had a special someone to spend a Valentine's day with... but it's still my favorite holiday! To me it's not about the mass commercialism that we've become accustomed to, but about the power of love... the love we share with family and friends, lovers, strangers, the world. If you recall the famous Beetles' song lyrics, "All you need is love"... and I believe it!
Here's a little challenge for you. Today, or any day (especially when you are alone and perhaps feeling a little loveless) reach out and do something for a complete stranger. You know... a good old fashion random act of kindness. Leave a short inspirational note on a bookmark in a library book for the next unexpecting reader (be creative... place your note in a self-help book about depression or some similar topic). Get a balloon from the store and write something sweet on it (or on an attached tag), tie it somewhere at eye-level and let someone find it. There are endless ways to spread the love.
Check out these sites for some additional ideas:
How to Be Nice: 48 Almost Effortless Ways You Can Do a Little Good in the World (this is one of my all time favorite articles).
Random Acts of Kindness (The official site. Find lots of ways to be inspired and spread the love.)
You are Beautiful (One of my favorite projects!)
Found Art (create art and leave it for someone to find... lots of ideas on this site.)
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Whether you spend this day alone or with a paramour, I hope that it will be filled with love (the kind you give and the kind you receive). xox Ez
Mosaic image credits: 1. love you, 2. peaceandlove, 3. Heart, 4. tiny heart, 5. Day 22/365: Live, 6. Untitled