Day 14 and it is Valentine's Day!
🌹😁 Will you be my Valentine?
As much as I don't enjoy the hype, over-marketed, money-hungry event that this day has become in our general society. I do like any holiday, event, occasion to celebrate all things good. This day is about LOVE. It is about checking in with ourselves, and the people around us, to show we care through good deeds, acts of kindness, gifts, pleasant words, and even self-care. Time to reflect, take a moment to be surrounded by positive feelings, and even set aside our own inner cynic.
If you're wondering (like I was) and want a refresher of where Valentine's originated, here's an article of facts, origins, and traditions from the History Channel, History of Valentine's Day.
I know this day is not for everyone, which is why the task I assigned today is more about sharing how we feel, rather than buying gifts or spoiling someone. (Though that is perfectly welcome... my address is... 😂.)
Today I have asked you to 'tell someone you care about how much they mean to you'.
This is more than an 'I Love You' or 'Happy Valentine's Day'.
It's sitting with your feelings for a moment and recognizing the people you have around you.
What do they mean to you?
Where would you be without them?
Have you told them how much they fill up your life just by being in it?
There are many friends or family, where our circumstances have changed. We are no longer as close as we once were... but I will always hold a special place in my heart for them. It hasn't always been easy, recognizing my part in the separation. I still care for them though. The 'them' I used to know when I was the person they use to know as well. The amazing thing is, love and care have no expiry date, no distance requirement, and no expectation.
The dictionary defines LOVE as...
Noun (Person, Place, or Thing):
an intense feeling of deep affection ("babies fill parents with intense feelings of love" · "their love for their country"), a deep romantic or sexual attachment to someone ("they were both in love with her" · "we were slowly falling in love" · "it was love at first sight"), affectionate greetings conveyed to someone on one's behalf, a formula for ending an affectionate letter ("take care, lots of love, Judy"), and a personified figure of love, often represented as Cupid.
a great interest and pleasure in something ("his love for football" · "we share a love of music").
a person or thing that one loves ("she was the love of his life" · "their two great loves are tobacco and whiskey"), a friendly form of address ("it's all right, love"), and used to express affectionate approval for someone ("don't fret, there's a love").
(in tennis, squash, and some other sports) a score of zero; nil ("love fifteen" · "he was down two sets to love").
Verb (Action):
feel a deep romantic or sexual attachment to (someone) - ("do you love me?").
like very much; find pleasure in ("I'd love a cup of tea, thanks" · "I just love dancing" · "a fun-loving girl").
The dictionary defines CARE as...
Noun (Person, Place, or Thing):
the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something ("the care of the elderly" · "the child is safe in the care of her grandparents" · "health care").
serious attention or consideration applied to doing something correctly or to avoid damage or risk ("he planned his departure with great care"), an object of concern or attention ("the cares of family life"), and a feeling of or occasion for anxiety ("she was driving along without a care in the world").
Verb (Action):
feel concern or interest; attach importance to something ("they don't care about human life" · "I don't care what she says"), feel affection or liking ("you care very deeply for him"), and like or be willing to do or have something ("would you care for some tea?" · "I don't care to listen to him").
look after and provide for the needs of ("he has numerous animals to care for").
I feel it's important to review the definitions of these words. Sometimes life has a way of mixing them up with other thoughts, feelings, and emotions; especially through hard times, addiction, and trauma. It also has a way of muting the meaning and intensity behind these words. We almost become accustomed to saying them, rather than showing or feeling them.
The me now... sees love as accepting people as they are and choosing to show what's in my own heart. Recognizing we all have our own battles, we are all finding our way, and looking for acceptance. Love is saying 'I See You' when others seem to turn their back. It's offering a hand, lighting a candle, leading the way to self-awareness and recovery. It's holding us accountable without blame. It's forgiving without shame. It's understanding throughout the connection and separation, the ups and downs of life, and treasuring the times our eyes sparkle together. Love sees perfection in the imperfection. It offers solutions without force. It peers out from the eyes of another just to gain their perspective for a moment. For you would be there too had you walked every step in their shoes. We cannot control love, we can only honor the hearts of another and speak our truth. Love is a place of being, an action of doing, and a reflection of self. Love needs care to help it find home. Attention to effort, dedication of support, and knowing what is mutually beneficial. Love is the seed that grows into eternal greatness... care is the water and soil that feeds it. Speak softly for love is external expression of an internal flame. Our love should not require another's reciprocation. It is in itself our desire... meant to be shared, meant to be given, meant to be treasured in the care of knowing we are doing good. We are sifting through the mud of what love may have been labelled as, undoing the skewed definition, to find the truth in non-judgement; a seed of growth for ourselves, for others, and for our world. Understanding we all are in process. Sometimes, by unknown heart, we meet on that path and travel together. Other times, we must treasure the memory of having known love.
People come into our life for a reason, a season, or a life-time. Love is love.
(Source Pinterest)
Ways to show you care...
I've found it helpful to learn how the people around me need love to be shown. Dr. Gary Chapman has long researched 5 Love Languages and determined, though we may all speak a little bit of all of them, there are some main ways we give and receive love. If we can learn the main Love Languages of the people around us we can greatly increase our connection. Find the quiz here: https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/
I like to take this (at a minimum) annually.
Other ways to show affection (to others):
Write a Love Letter
Make a 'Mixed Playlist' (Oh goodness, gone are the days of tapes and Cd's hey?)
Draw A Picture
Hand-Craft Something
Complete a Task on Their To-Do List
Write Them A Song
Create a Love Scavenger Hunt
Remind Them of How Much They Mean To Your Life
Have a Photoshoot and Frame Your Favorite
Go On A Romantic Walk
Have A Picnic
Show Up For Important Milestones
Be Present and Involved
This list could go on and on and on and on. Haha.
Remember, in everything, there is still self-love. We can show ourselves we care by doing what we need, taking proper care (fitness, nutrition, wellness, mental health), and finding little moments to enjoy in every day.
You get the idea though. For Today's task 'tell someone you care about HOW MUCH they mean to you', in whatever way you choose. You can share stories, show me what you did, or connect with me by commenting below. I'd love to hear from you.
Fitness Focus: 30 Minute Intro to Yoga Nidra Meditation (Stages 1-6)
Take time for yourself by grabbing pillows, a blanket, and finding a comfortable, quiet, place to practice. Here is an introduction to the first 6 stages of this yogic sleep meditation and body sensing practice; perfect for all abilities - ideal for those wanting calm and self-awareness. Benefits can include: stress relief, self-connection, confidence, relaxation, calming of the nerves, day-to-day energy, increases focus, and an overall sense of wellbeing. There is no 'right way' to meditate... like all things... practice makes progress.
If you are unable to see the player below, click <HERE> to listen.
Well Day 14... I hope you found value.
Any questions, message me anytime.
Once you've completed the day... comment below with your findings and progress, I'd love to support you while we challenge ourselves one day at a time. #DayOneAlways mentality with #believeagainfitness effort will create the #healthylifestyle consistency we need. Social media hashtag #februaryfitnesschallenge2021 and be sure to have FUN.
We've got this together.
🌹 Take care all and much love.