Recently we celebrated Valentine's day. For many, it is a day to say I love you in the way of chocolates, flowers, jewelry, and engagements. Valentine’s day has taken on a whole meaning with the inclusion of pets. Did you know that in 2021, Americans spent 1.89 Billion Dollars on Valentine’s for their pets? No that is not a missprint. Love has many meanings. One can love a person, pet, object, song, food, and even shopping. But why do we reserve only one day of the year to say I love you? Shouldn’t we be showing our love and appreciation all the time? Does it have to be some grandiose gesture of chocolates, flowers, or an overpriced dinner?
Feelings
What about the feelings of those without a loved one, or who lost a loved one? Wouldn’t having to see Valentine's chocolates, flowers, and specials just send them into a tizzy? As a child, I liked Valentine's day but only because I got cards and stuff from people I didn’t know and felt the magic of love. Like I had a secret admirer. Now as an adult, I know better. It sure would be nice to receive notes or chocolates when I’m questioning everything I am or when I am overwhelmed.
Fun Facts
I found out some interesting facts about Valentine's day. If you want to read about all of them here is the link 30 Fascinating Valentine's Day Facts - Valentine's Day History. Did you know that Valentine’s day can actually be attributed to multiple Valentines? According to History.com, there were three, all of which were martyred. St Valentine was said to be jailed by Claudius II in the 3rd century for performing marriages after he had outlawed the practice. The emperor felt single men made better soldiers. Other folklore suggests Valentine was jailed and sent a letter to the jailers' daughter signing the note, Love Your Valentine. Whatever the reason, St Valentine is considered the patron of Love.
Conversation starters
It wasn’t until the 1840s that Valentine's cards became mass-produced. James Cadbury, of the famous Cadbury bunny commercials at Easter, developed the first candies in fancy boxes to increase sales. I think it worked. I got two such boxes of chocolates, although they are not Cadbury, but who knows they might be owned by Cadbury. We can’t forget about the conversation hearts. Developed in 1840 as wafers by pharmacist Oliver Chase to get into the craze for lozenges. His brother is credited with putting the sayings on the candies. They have since changed into the hearts we have today. Now we have Galentines Day. I just found out that it is actually celebrated on February 13th. We all have Parks & Rec to thank for the creation of yet another celebration of love.
Do something nice
A lot of people say Valentine’s Day is one of the most overrated holidays ever. Although I agree to a certain extent. It is to celebrate the people that we love. It’s important to show them exactly how much they mean to us. Now if you're not a chocolate lover, like flowers, or a card person, that’s okay. You can still find simple things to do. You can do something nice for someone, call or text someone to tell them you care. Or you can write them a sweet note or a post on Facebook. You can even give a Valentine’s Day present to yourself such as getting your nails done or going for a facial amongst other things.
Any day you need
I don’t think love should just be celebrated on just one specific day, hey, I just had Christmas in February with my extended family. No, the Christmas tree was not still up, mom is such a party pooper, but we still exchanged gifts. The spirit of Christmas was still very much alive in all of us that day. I think the spirit of love can be alive in us in the same way. Love can be celebrated every day by doing things such as cleaning the house, and cooking dinner for your significant other. Or simply by leaving a note, or a special treat on their bed to make their day just a little bit better.
I Love You
I believe that love has several different meanings. There is “I love you” referring to a person or a family member, and then there is “I love this” referring to material things such as Christmas decorations or Chick-Fil-A. But is “I love you” overused so much that it loses its meaning? I love my house, I love the person I just met, or from Bachelor, yes I watch that show. How the women say I love you when either they or their new best friend just got eliminated. How do you love someone you just met and may never see again, except on the women's tell-all show? I guess that should be for another blog. But think about it. Entertainers love their fans but is that the same love I have for my parents or closest friends? What about sports teams? I should think not first off because that would make for one heck of a Valentine's or Christmas list. It's different kind of love, I guess.
One lucky girl
So celebrate whenever and how ever you want. Don’t let it be too late to tell someone you love them or how special they are in your life. I am one lucky girl because I am surrounded by people who truly love me. I appreciate each and every one. I hope you weren’t expecting me to list them here because I couldn’t possibly do that. But I can do this, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for loving me and supporting me. For making me feel special and encouraging me to follow my dreams. I love you.
Thank you for reading until the end!
This is the view from my wheelchair, where miracles can make a difference. Always Strive for the Impossible. Come back next week to see my imagination run wild about a first date and hear more about my experiences and The View From My Wheelchair.