Love is in the air "That's Amore"

So here it is, the week we give a big shout out to love.  Accentuated by the full moon today, “like a big pizza pie, that’s amore” love is in the air.   Is it just one day a year that we celebrate relationships?  We think not.  But, it is a reminder for us to set intention, be mindful and be intentional in all of our relationships.

Just how far back do we have to reach to understand Valentines Day?  The year was 496 AD, so yes, quite a ways.  It might surprise you to know that there is dark history to this celebration. You might even say it was well executed.  Taking its origins from the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February, a festival which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. What?  Sounds like to me, it may not have been a win win?  At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day.  St. Valentine' it is told, lost his head by execution and became the martyr for this current day love fest.

But, enough on the dark side.  Valentine’s Day is now associated with love, the first signs of spring (OK, maybe not here, but in Rome where Valentine’s Day originated) and a time to commemorate your partner.

Gift giving or receiving on Valentine’s day doesn’t need to break the bank, but it does need to be thoughtful.  Maybe your partner just needs some alone time, maybe they need alone time with you, maybe they just want coffee in bed…..without the kids madly jumping all over them.  Remember the days you got funny little notes?  Start there, write the love letter, sign it with XXXOOO’s.  Whatever the gift is, whether purchased, made or an act of kindness, make it intentional.

For all you singles out there…..love yourself.  Celebrate you.  Be kind to yourself.  Gift yourself.  Be with friends, be with family.  Engage with your untamed heart.  There are many types of relationships to nourish.  Start with yourself!