Holidays evoke a wide host of emotions. A holiday that might be eagerly anticipated by some, is often a source of emotional pain to others. Valentine’s Day is an example of such a holiday.

Valentine’s Day’s, long-standing commercial nature has made it hard to ignore its existence.  Anyone recovering from a break-up, divorce, or grieving the loss of a loved one, will likely be eager to cross February 14th off their calendar. Alas, instead of being a day to look forward to, Valentine’s Day can be a stinging reminder of disappointments, betrayals, unrequited love, and loneliness.

Even for those blessed with romantic love, Valentine’s Day can still be dreaded because it represents yet another stressor on one’s wallet and purse strings.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Valentine’s Day could be repackaged and retooled? Imagine how great it would be if we could turn Valentine’s Day into a true celebration of love and friendship minus all the commercialism . . .

When I think back to my childhood, I remember how hurtful Valentine’s Day could be to the majority of the children in my school. Valentine’s Day was inevitably another time for many of the popular kids to gloat as they counted up the number of Valentines they received. For any of us who were unpopular in school, Valentine’s Day was yet  another reminder that we are not on the “A” list.

Think of how great it would be if there were a new version of Valentine’s Day–a Valentine’s Day that men, women, and children of all ages could enjoy equally–no matter what their relationship status, popularity among peers, and/or their bank balance. Wouldn’t it be lovely if a new Valentine’s Day could be born that celebrates not only romantic love, but also loving kindness and unconditional love?

It is my hope in posting this blog entry that it serves to cause each of us to do more than just commiserate on the down sides of Valentine’s Day.

What if this little blog post had the power to really make a difference in this one day of the year. What might happen if each person who reads this blog offers a comment or two on how to truly improve Valentine’s Day?

And what if each of us circulated this blog and its resulting comments to the people to whom we like, love, and share space? We could send ideas for an improved Valentine’s Day far and wide.

We could share ideas with grade school teachers, librarians, folks who run soup kitchens, activity directors at retirement homes, and others to help all people to feel more love–not just those who are already showered with affection.

Wouldn’t it be great if this little blog could open up a dialogue on the true meanings of love and friendship? What if each person who is forwarded this blog adds their own brilliant comments in the form of ideas that will make Valentine’s Day kinder, more gentle, and that is true to all the meanings of the word love?

And what if each of us decides to take action to make Valentine’s Day more kind and loving?

Please help to improve Valentine’s Day by adding your own comments and ideas to this blog post. So that our ideas and comments count, please forward this blog and its comments to anyone you believe would enjoy being a part of making Valentine’s Day more loving and kind.

With enough people power and good thoughts and ideas, I believe that we can work together to create a new, improved Valentine’s Day that will be a blessing to both the loved and the lonely of the world.

To get the ball rolling, I will now offer three simple ideas that can be easily implemented to spread love and happiness on Valentine’s Day.

1. Send a Valentine email to anyone you know who is struggling emotionally, physically, or spiritually and let them know that you are thinking about them. Emails are a free and easy way to communicate with people who need love and attention.

2. Perform a random act of kindness for someone in need. We have all heard of random acts of kindness–but sadly, too few of them occur. A random act of kindness can be any simple gesture that in any way helps another being. It can be something as simple as carrying someone’s groceries who is struggling, or shoveling the snow off your neighbor’s porch.

3. Don’t forget to love yourself. Make a list of your own qualities, and let your own goodness and talents surface and be experienced by others. Give yourself the gift of your own love.