The pressure of Valentine’s Day can be huge. It is a holiday of expectations and hyperfocus on the aspects we lack in our life. Not all love is candy, flowers, and nice dinners. Love is very different in every romantic relationship, friendship, and social interaction. So instead of thinking ‘romance’ this year, lets spread some love.
Why it is important we spread kindness.
(even if we don’t know the person/get anything in return)
–We view the world more positive when we are more positive. We start to be the change we want to see.
-Being kind makes us feel good. It assists with self esteem and helps us view ourselves more positively.
-We start to see the ‘global understanding’ more often. We can see others as if we are in their shoes and gain a better view of the obstacles they have faced.
-Keep in mind that most acts are insufficient to completely fix a situation. But it can be that little positive push to at least start moving in the right direction.
-We can change others view of the world to be more positive. This is turn helps them act more positively. This idea starts to spread making the world a more positive place to be.
14 Days of LOVE plan:
- Send someone a ‘heart attack’ or ‘bunch of love’ box.
- Pick up litter or help clean up your community.
- Thank you notes to teachers, the mail carrier, secretaries, librarian, etc
- Write positive chalk messages on your sidewalk.
- Bring flowers to someone.
- Send school supplies to school.
- Make a special treat for someone special.
- Make a card or letter for a family member.
- Have the kids make dinner.
- Make bird seed clumps.
- Visit a nursing home and read to them.
- Put money in a vending machine for the next person.
- Go to the animal shelter and walk the dogs/play with the cats.
- Write an encouraging note for someone and leave it on their car/ doorstep.
My Challenge to you: Create your own ‘random acts of kindness/love’ plan. Make sure to incorporate your loved ones/friends in the activities because these activities create bonding and make all that participate feel good.
Happy loving friends!
– Jessie the Therapist
Photo by:Jamez Picard
