Do something that matters. Thats what I name it. Like many people, Ive had good Valentines Days, and...not so good. The not-so-good ones date back to middle school, when I, like many of my classmates, anxiously awaited one of those sweetheart-pink carnations from what I hoped would be a secret admirer. Much to my dismay, the carnation never came. And for years, it left me feeling downright uneasy about the 14th of February. I later came to realize that Valentines Day is about much more than flowers and candy, or even being part of a couple. I love that theres a day in our busy lives when we officially celebrate love. Im not just talking romantic love, like Hallmark would have us believe, but the real-deal, universal stuff of life that makes up who we really are. Behind our roles and personalities and professionalism, each of us, at essence, is a living, loving being. Sure, on the other 364 days of the year we might try to fake it, but on this one day attributed to a Saint, the world agrees: Love is where its at. Call it spirit, call it sweetness -- whatever you want to call it, weve all got it. Its just a matter of what we do with it. So this Valentines Day, put the cupids and carnations and conversation-hearts aside. Give of yourself, your time, your heart -- to people you know, and people you dont. Share your love in small ways and big. And best of all, be generous. There are plenty of ways to do good and feel good this Valentines Day. Here are a few. 1. Will You Be My...Volunteer? Theres no shortage of ways you can help. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen, animal shelter, or favorite nonprofit, or offer to tutor a child in reading or math. You can find loads of opportunities on VolunteerMatch, Idealist and Points of Light , or check your local college campus for organized events. 2. Put the Fun in Fundraising. If youre taking that special someone out for a pricey dinner, why not have your bill go to a good cause? Check your newspaper or online city pages for Valentine-themed fundraisers that support local nonprofits. Or better yet, throw your own happy hour or party, and donate the proceeds to charity. 3. Send Love Letters. Not just to your sweetheart, but to people and organizations that are doing good things for the world. Tell them why you respect and appreciate their work, and that they really do make a difference. If youre feeling extra romantic, include a donation in the envelope. 4. Reach Out to Those in Need. Deliver homemade Valentines cards or heart-shaped cookies to the sick, the elderly, the homeless -- and their caregivers. Call a local childrens hospital, domestic violence shelter, or nursing home and ask how you can help. 5. Give Gifts That Give. There are dozens of charitable shopping sites and online nonprofit stores selling gifts for a good cause. Look for red Motorola phones, Gap T-shirts and iPods from Apple to support the Red Campaign, or try APEDOS Marketplace, or ShopAPEDO online. 6. Remember Those Who Serve You. In the spirit of service, think of all those people who make your life easier and more convenient -- every single day. Give a thank-you card to the bus driver or the barista who serves you your latte. Personally thank the janitor who keeps your office or campus clean, or the people who pick up your trash. Leave your waiter an extra tip, and smile -- big -- at the gas station attendant. Tnx and God Bless all.
Posted on: Fri, 14 Feb 2014 08:00:11 +0000
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