Many people think that Valentine’s Day is just another way to get us to feel obliged to spend money. Buy a card, chocolates, or flowers and call that caring or love.

I have mixed thoughts about this. I don’t believe that handing out cards this one day of the year is a good way to recognize our love or caring of a significant other. I also don’t think that it should be exclusive to boy/girlfriends, wives/husbands, or dates.

Instead I think that every chance to show that you care about someone makes for a good day. I think that Valentine’s Day is a reminder to us to say “I love you” or “I care about you” or “You make me smile” or “Thank you”.

So this year, instead of buying things no one needs, I bought an e-card that’s a donation to one of the many causes that I think worthy, animal welfare. For all of you who love dogs, cats, horses, pigs, turtles, elephants, whales, dolphins, and pandas or rats, snakes, and spiders, here’s the link: http://www.reallywildgifts.ca/index.php

And while you’re at it, be kind to yourself too! That doesn’t mean you should just give yourself free reign to splurge on those shoes you love but don’t need or go crazy on a box of cookies because you love cookies. It means forgive yourself. It means allow yourself time to stop and smell the flowers (unless you have allergies!). It means take care of your mind, your body, and your spirit: exercise, eat healthy foods, drink enough water, get enough sleep, BREATHE, meditate, find creative things to do, dance, share, hug, read, learn, play, write, smile, LAUGH, and maybe get some acupuncture! 🙂

What will you do to show you care?