Intentional "Loving" . . . All Year Long!

At the time this article's posting, that day of the year in which we are given permission, and in many cases expected, to openly express our love and affection for those special someones has already passed. Greeting cards were no doubt bought (perhaps at the last minute), flowers (that may have been ordered by one's executive assistant) were delivered, candle-light dinners were probably consumed, champagne was imbibed, diets were broken in order to peruse the heart-shaped candy box, and, in the appropriate context, sex may have been expected! The American public spends millions of dollars each year for that occasion known as Valentine's Day so that it can hopefully abstain from the "mushy" stuff for the rest of the year. And we call this love?

A few days ago I was discussing with a client the possibility of not limiting himself to the 24-hour confines of February 14^th during which to express his genuine, heart-felt feelings for his wife and two sons but to, instead, find creative ways to do this every day of the year. The look of concern on his face was obvious when he remarked, "But I'm afraid if I do that every day then it won't feel special." My question back to him was, "But think about it: How much more special can a person feel than to experience being adored on a daily basis?"

We believe that all of us can be more intentional about how and when we express our love and appreciation for those special people in our lives. We can choose to not be confined by the boundaries of that "special" day that comes around every year in February. We can choose to present our loved ones with cards of expression, or surprise them with a bouquet of flowers on an "ordinary" day for no "special" reason. We can buy a token gift that reminds us of them and present it "just because." We can choose to serve champagne for no "special" reason other than to celebrate the fact that we are so thankful to have that person in our life. In so doing, the "ordinary" becomes extraordinary while those obligatory days begin to pale by comparison. Flowers given for no "special" reason just might smell a bit more aromatic; the champagne might taste just a bit sweeter and bubbly. Our love-making will always be shared with a specialness that is not present when we engage in that experience out of obligation or so-called physical "need." The specialness lies not within the confines of a 24-hour period in February, but within our intentionality towards our desire to celebrate all that our relationship brings to our life journey.

So as you look ahead to the remainder of the year, we encourage you to continue to celebrate Valentine's Day via intentional "loving" . . . all year long! (What could we do this next month that could speak of our appreciation for and adoration of those special ones we have been granted the privilege to know and love?)