As the duchess in Alice In Wonderland said, "'Tis love that makes the world go around."
Feb. 14 is traditionally a day for lovers to express their love for each other. The concept has also stretched itself for us to express our love to others such as our children, friends and family.
It's also a day to stop for a moment and celebrate and love yourself for who you are. The whole concept of Valentine's Day arrived out of Saint Valentine's Day, a holiday observed for honouring one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine.
The name "Valentine," derived from valens, represents worthy, strong and powerful. Many people find it difficult to express their love out of fear of feeling vulnerable, but when love is given unconditionally it has the power to be strong.
Take a moment and look at the people in your life, do you really love them unconditionally?
All any human being truly wants in this life is to love and be loved, to be seen for who we really are and not be judged and the best place to start with that approach is with yourself.
When you begin to love yourself first, you may notice that love cannot help but overflow and be expressed to others. It's a good way to keep your life simple and life will unfold in ways you can't imagine.
Five tips to let love flow through you:
1. Accept yourself for who you are.
2. Keep your heart open even in those times when you're feeling vulnerable.
3. When your journey is done with another human being, let them go with love.
4. Be aware of where you are holding resentment and practice forgiveness.
5. Love yourself, don't wait for someone else to step up to the plate to make you feel fulfilled.
Lorraine Wilson is a Richmond resident, group facilitator and provides one-on-one coaching for those who wish to live a mindful life. For more information visit www. keepinglifesimple.org.
