When Valentine's Day Goes 'Poof'

Courtesy of Pixabay

Kindness Quote:

“Kindness can change the world, one heart at a time.”

Gratitude Thought:

If you’ve got a few minutes, visit with James Taylor as he sings “You’ve Got a Friend”, by Carole King. A reminder of the value of friendship.

1 Kindness Idea backed by science 🧪:

I just discovered that there are 78 holidays in the month of February.  Really. There’s the major stuff like Valentine’s Day, which is today, and President’s Day and the ever-anticipated Ground Hogs Day.  

We already missed No Politics Day and Spunky Old Broads Day (both Feb 1) and, sadly, Eat Ice Cream Day for Breakfast (Feb 5).  For the curious, you can check them out here. 

But since today is Valentine’s Day, I got to thinking about what Valentine’s Day has become and what I think it should be.  For sure, it has become a marketer’s dream (or scheme…).  Cards, candy, jewelry, flowers 🌷, special dinners, gifts for human loved ones and gifts for animal 🐶😺 loved ones.  According to the National Retail Federation, spending on Valentine’s Day, just in the U.S., is going to be nearly $24 billion this year.  To put that in perspective, that’s about $73 for every man, woman, and child. 

But then, like Cinderella’s magical coach, Valentine’s Day goes ‘poof’ at midnight and we scurry on to February 15th, leaving a trail of sweet nothings in our wake.  Ok, I guess we have to move on, since there are 4 holidays on the 15th, including the all-important National Gum Drop Day. 

But what happens to all that love 💘 and chocolate?  Speaking from lip smacking experience, I’m pretty sure I know what happens to the chocolates.  But what about the sweet sentiments?  Do we swallow them like the chocolates and they disappear?

Or can they linger on our lips and find their way into hearts all year long? I’d like to think that we can find a way to keep those kind and loving words around, long after the candy is gone, the dinners are consumed, the flowers are faded, and the earrings are back in the jewelry box. 

You know I’m a research kind of a girl, so I get fired up about studies that validate the importance of being compassionate, loving and kind every day.  (If you dig research too, check out the Kindness Magnet library for the latest news on kindness). 

I’m not saying that we should do away with Valentine’s Day (I cringe at the thought of all that hate email!), but I’d love to see that $24 billion spread out over the year.  A card here.  A lunch date there.  An unexpected candy bar with a ribbon every now and then (I do love Hershey’s with almonds)…. and so much cheaper than a box of See’s Candy.   

And maybe we could expand our Valentines wishes to include a neighbor, a friend living alone, our mailman, or a veteran.  Who else do you think we should include?

And we could throw in free stuff, too.  Like just giving someone a hug.  Science says 20 second hugs have huge health benefits (thank you awesome reader, Marc). Or a friendly ‘hello’, a warm smile, or a pat on the back.

Am I getting away from the spirit of Valentine’s Day? I don’t think so. In fact, I think the true meaning of Valentine’s Day is to share love, compassion, empathy, and kindness with those we care about. I’d just want us to ‘enjoy the moment’…. every day.

So if I’m ruffling some feathers, let me just invite you to a new holiday…. Valenkind. I didn’t invent it, but I sure like the sound of it. Spend money if you want. Or spend nothing, other than your time, your attention, and your kindness. It’s a holiday you can celebrate every single day.

Won’t you be my Valenkind? 

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May every day be Valenkind Day for you. 💜

PS: Do you like discovering new things?  Then you might like The Sample.  Each day you’ll get a ‘sample’ newsletter on a topic of your choice.  Check it out before you subscribe.  If you like it, you can subscribe with 1-click.  It’s a fun way to explore new things and expand your world!  Enjoy!  💜 The Sample 💜

Check out our Gift and Book Program

Kindness Magnet launched in April, 2021 and has become tremendously popular. I guess we all need more kindness in this world! A great way to practice a little generosity is through our Gift and Book Program. I hope you’ll check it out! 100% goes to support those in need. Yup. 100%. 😊