Not-so-positive Thoughts About Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is all hype, if you ask me. It's not a true holiday, anyway - just an excuse to spend money on candy, presents, and cards. When my kids were in school, I would dread the trip to the store to buy multiple boxes of cartoon-character valentines for each child's classmates, along with the obligatory pink- and red-packaged candies. (If you didn't include a little candy in each envelope, the other children wouldn't even open the valentine!)

As my kids became teenagers, they might mope about, sad they didn't have a sweetheart to go out with on Valentine's Day. Too many teenagers believe that they have to be in love to be whole. Young people who are not afraid to be and act their age are so refreshing! Here's a great example...




Unfortunately, many adults fall for the Valentine's Day hype, too. If married couples don't have an insanely romantic Valentine's Day planned and perfectly executed, Valentine's Day hype makes us believe we have somehow "failed." Media coverage is all about making the "perfect" Valentine's Day dinner, or the most romantic date... And, so, we buy expensive gifts, flowers, cards, and candy out of obligation, not out of thoughtfulness.

I think we should work to let our spouses know we love them every day -- spending extra money on Valentine's Day doesn't make us a more successful partner. Being kind, serving each other, and loving our spouse should be an everyday occurrence, not just once a year.

Blog dedicated to the bright side of life

When contemplating the focus of my blog, my mind was drawn to a lesson I have had to learn over and over again - life is just better when I dwell on the bright side. This doesn't mean that my life is always easy, and that I ALWAYS keep a positive attitude. In fact, an "easy" life does not guarantee a positive attitude. Many women I know who may seem to have an "easy" life struggle with negative thoughts and depression. While we don't always know the challenges a person might face in the privacy of their own home and mind, keeping a positive attitude will make any challenge easier to overcome. When all is said and done, our attitude is really the only thing we truly have control over.

Holding a full-time job and going to school while trying to work on my marriage, caring for family, serving in my church, and keeping a home together has taken its toll at any given time. I have worked with people who dwell on and shared negativity all day long. After years of hearing a co-worker state day-in, day-out, "I'm so sick and tired of..." you name it, I decided it was time for a change! I was willing to take a huge cut in pay to get out of that environment and into a more positive atmosphere. What a blessing that has been!

I am grateful every day to work with positive people now. In an imperfect world, there will always be tragic events. For instance, the horrific earthquake in Haiti. I heard the most uplifting story about a young American woman, Christa Brelsford, who was trapped in rubble. I wanted to post it here to inspire all of us to look for blessings, not obstacles in life. She is an amazing young lady!