Hearts, Hearts, Everywhere!

with Mindfulness and Gratitude

Author

Peggy Gleason
February 17, 2025

Valentine’s Day: A Celebration of Love in All Its Forms

Do you remember being a child and the excitement of exchanging those small, folded Valentine’s Day cards with friends?

They were paper-thin, often heart-shaped, and you could buy a whole box for just a dollar.

Receiving one felt like an ego boost, a small yet thrilling token of affection.

But the most cherished Valentines were the ones crafted with love—those handmade treasures from school, where red crayons scribbled heartfelt “I Love You” messages on paper.

The pride in a child’s eyes as they presented their masterpiece was indescribable.

I still have some of those precious creations from my own children, tucked away for over 30 years, serving as timeless reminders of pure, unfiltered love.

The Many Facets of Love

Love comes in so many forms, each unique and deeply meaningful in its own way.

There’s the love between parents and children, a bond that is often the first experience of love in our lives.

It’s the kind of love that shapes us, nurtures us, and, in many ways, teaches us how to give and receive love.

Then there’s the love between siblings, often a mix of deep affection and the occasional rivalry, yet it remains one of the strongest connections in life.

The inside jokes, the shared childhood experiences, the late-night talks—it all adds up to a love that withstands time and distance.

Friendship is another powerful form of love.

True friends become the family we choose.

They are the ones who stand beside us during our best and worst moments, lifting us up when we doubt ourselves and celebrating with us when we succeed.

Whether it’s the friend from childhood who knows all our secrets or the colleague turned confidant, these relationships remind us that love is not confined to romance.

Then, there’s the love that has passed but never fades—the love for those we have lost.

Whether it be a grandparent, a parent, a beloved friend, or even a former partner, their love continues to shape us.

Their memories remain alive in our hearts, their influence still guiding us in ways we may not always recognize.

Remembering Love from the Past

Valentine’s Day often brings a wave of nostalgia.

We remember past loves—some that made our hearts soar and others that taught us valuable lessons.

There’s a bittersweet beauty in reminiscing about love that once was.

Maybe it was a teenage romance that felt like it would last forever, or the love of a grandparent who always had warm cookies waiting.

These memories, whether joyful or painful, remind us of how love has touched our lives in countless ways.

Love also evolves.

What once felt like the deepest connection may fade, making room for new forms of love. We grow, we change, and so do the people around us.

The relationships that once defined us might shift, but they leave behind invaluable lessons and cherished memories.

The Most Overlooked Love: Self-Love

In the midst of celebrating love for others, we often forget the most crucial love of all—the love we have for ourselves.

Self-love is not just about indulging in spa days or treating yourself to a special meal (though those are great!).

It’s about truly appreciating who you are, inside and out. It’s about recognizing your worth, embracing your flaws, and treating yourself with the same kindness and compassion you so readily give to others.

For so many of us, self-love is the hardest love to cultivate.

We are our own worst critics. We replay our mistakes, compare ourselves to unrealistic standards, and focus on our imperfections. But what if, just for a moment, we extended to ourselves the same unconditional love that we give to our family, our friends, and even our pets?

What if we forgave ourselves as easily as we forgive others?

What if we spoke to ourselves with the gentleness we reserve for a child or a loved one in need?

The Impact of Self-Love

When you truly love yourself, everything changes.

You set boundaries that protect your well-being. You recognize toxic relationships and walk away without guilt.

You pursue dreams without the fear of failure holding you back.

You stop waiting for someone else to validate your worth because you already know it.

Loving yourself doesn’t mean you think you’re perfect.

It means you acknowledge that you are worthy of love and respect despite your imperfections.

It means you understand that your happiness is your responsibility and that you deserve joy, just like anyone else.

When you love yourself, you radiate confidence and positivity, which in turn attracts healthier relationships.

You no longer seek love to fill a void because you are already whole.

When you do love someone, whether a friend, a partner, or a family member, it comes from a place of abundance rather than need.

Celebrating All Kinds of Love This Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate love in all its forms.

Tell your parents how much you appreciate them.

Call an old friend just to say hello. Light a candle in memory of someone who is no longer with you.

Write a letter to yourself, acknowledging all the ways you have grown and all the reasons you deserve love.

Instead of focusing on what might be missing, focus on what you already have—an abundance of love in different shapes and forms. And most importantly, take a moment to love yourself.

At the end of the day, the love you give yourself sets the foundation for all the love you receive.

Whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day with a partner, family, friends, or simply enjoying your own company, let it be a day filled with gratitude, appreciation, and love—starting with the love you have for yourself.

Dr. Peggy.

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