“Valentine: a written or other artistic work, message, token, etc., expressing affection for something or someone.”
Greetings from
Happy Valentine’s Day, Mom and Dad!
While the origins of Valentine’s Day are rather murky – and not at all about romance – it has become something of a big deal in a handful of countries, including the
.
The most popular expression of love and affection? The valentine card, of course! Be they romantic or humorous; addressed to a sweetheart, family member, friend or school teacher; the Greeting Card Association estimates that one billion valentine cards will be exchanged in the
Woohoo.
Now, I would not begrudge you a big, pink frilly paper heart (or box of yummy chocolates,) but I have something else to offer this year. Let’s call it a valentine of a different color.
In a quiet moment today, it came to me. Something that I knew just had to be shared. I offer it to you freely, because I like you. Please enjoy and pass it on to your sweetheart, and especially to your children.
My token of affection? One word: Forgiveness.
“Forgive: to stop blame and grant pardon.” Synonyms: absolve, accept apology, acquit, allow for, bear no malice, bear with, bury the hatchet, clear, dismiss from mind, exculpate, excuse, exempt, exonerate, forget, kiss and make up, laugh off, let bygones be bygones, let it go, let pass, let up on, make allowance, palliate, purge, release, relent, reprieve, think no more of, turn other cheek, wipe slate clean.”
When my children come home with stories about someone being rude, or unkind, we invariably have a conversation about how most people who act that way are really feeling sad about their own lives. Hurtful behavior almost always comes from someone who is already hurting inside.
Perhaps you’ve even noticed this about yourself. How often have you snapped at your spouse or growled at your child, because you were already unhappy with yourself? We perpetuate this cycle of hurt because we believe the remedy lies outside ourselves.
.
It doesn't.
We are the only ones who can heal us. So let’s get started today. Let’s clear out the old baggage, release the old hurts and forgive the old mistakes. Let’s make room for our in-born beauty and divine love to shine through. Let’s be our own valentines and teach our children to do the same.
Here are some beautiful words from Sri Chinmoy, to get you started:
If I cannot forgive myself
For all the blunders
That I have made
Over the years,
Then how can I proceed?
How can I ever
Dream perfection-dreams?
Move, I must, forward.
Fly, I must, upward.
Dive, I must, inward,
To be once more
What I truly am
And shall forever remain.
You might even find that you are nursing some grudges and ill-will toward others. As we forgive ourselves, let’s be sure to also look around for others that we have neglected to forgive. Let it go. You are only poisoning yourself. Let it be easy.
Remember, we are all trying our best.
Truly.
Wishing you joyful forgiveness and a happy, healthy Valentine’s Day. (Oh yes... and chocolate, too!)
Related Posts:
You really can be your own lovely valentine. Check out “The ABC's of Self-Love. Or, 5 Fun Ways to Be Your Own Valentine."
If you are still holding out for a traditional, romance-filled Valentine’s Day, try falling in love. You can do it right now... just read “How to Fall in Love with Your Child... Or Anyone Else."
Recommended
If forgiveness feels like a real challenge for you – or if you cannot imagine loving yourself enough to be your own valentine – please, please read Louise Hay’s classic, You Can Heal Your Life. Because you really can.
Does Sri Chinmoy’s beautiful poetry speak to you? There is so much more to experience. Check out, The Wings of Joy: Finding Your Path to Inner Peace. It just might be what you've been waiting for.
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