Decorate Valentine’s Day with happy memories

Here we are, approaching another Valentine’s Day. Am I wrong, or did we just get Christmas decorations stashed out of sight? At least both holidays favor the color red, just in case we missed the cinnamon-scented candle on the counter.

The retail business doesn’t give us the option of forgetting; it reminds us to prepare.

February 14th is bittersweet for me and many others who lost their valentine this year, last year, or many years ago.

I was fortunate my husband never failed to use Valentine’s Day to let me know how special I was in his life. I will miss his thoughtful surprises. But, even though my short-term memory isn’t what it used to be when the love day arrives, great memories from years past can fill my heart—if I invite them. I can decide to miss him terribly while celebrating what we had.

As with any anniversaries (birthdays, holidays, etc.) after losing a loved one, sleeping emotions wake up, providing a safe reason to express sadness. “Tears are God’s way of keeping our hearts from breaking” is a thought to remember.

Valentine’s Day can also be difficult for those who have lost a loved one from a breakup. The pain can be intense for the partner not choosing to end the relationship; the pain worsens if a new girlfriend or boyfriend is involved.

If you live with the loss of a loved one, no matter how their absence happened, prepare for this coming Monday when others around you are getting hugs, kisses, roses, and chocolates.

Plan dinner with friends who are also alone, or make it easy and pop some corn, slice some cheese and enjoy a home movie marathon. Whatever you do, plan something. The truth is, February 14th is only one out of 365 days, and the brightness of spring is just around the corner.

If you have a love relationship, enjoy it to the max. It is a day of love, not of fighting and being critical of what your valentine did or didn’t do. Enjoy each other, because the time could come when you can’t.

Valentine’s Day is a beautiful retail holiday created to sell many products. There is pressure to buy a little, a lot, or something outrageous. To me, a day of slowing down, spending time together, and appreciating each other is ideal. Maybe then Valentine’s Day could be an example of how to live and love every day—while you can.

If, like me, you are alone, plan something, anything. Suppose your valentine can be with you, awesome. If not, decorate Valentine’s Day with happy memories.

Until the next time: Live while you live.