Thank You for . . . Valentine's Day?

When did you see the Valentine candy in the store? Probably on December 26.

The remaining Christmas candy was moved to the clearance counter, then they brought out the Valentine candy. There was a quick change of decor in the store. Napkins and paper plates, decorations, cards, and all kinds of goodies are displayed on the shelves, ready for your purchase.

What good is Valentine’s Day, you ask. It’s only for little kids, teenagers, the lovers and the newly weds. Besides, someone else reminds us, Valentine’s Day has some secular ideas mixed in with religious thought. Can we just skip it?

Try this instead.
Start off a letter or email with “Thank you for . . . “ and finish the sentence in a suitable way for the person to whom you will write. Without undue fanfare or flourish of superlatives just declare one thing that you’re glad that person has done or said.

We rarely verbalize appreciation. It’s true, isn’t it?

This doesn’t have to be a lengthy recital of e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g, just one little thing. And just considering this idea right now is doing your own mind some good. You’ll picture someone, remember something. Gratitude is good. Writing it down is good.

Simplicity and sincerity, this challenge should appeal to everyone. This new approach to Valentine’s Day doesn’t cost much money, has no calories to consider, no strings attached. No comparisons, no criticisms. No more sticky candy, no silly cards. Hmmmmm. Wonder why we haven’t done this before.

Thank you for reading this. Thank you for caring. Thank you for sharing.

By Elaine Hardt ©2010