Did you know that Esther Howland, the woman who produced the first commercial American Valentine’s Day in the 1840s, sold a then mind-boggling $5,000 in cards during her first year of business? And that it is the celebration with the second highest number of cards sold, after Christmas?

What does this tell you? To me, it means that LOVE is important to people. We need love, both to get and to give. We turn towards it just like the sunflowers turning towards the Sun. Loving and being loved gives us motivation and happiness. This obviously does not necessarily mean the love of a partner. It could perfectly be love for children, parents, siblings, friends, pets, even plants (you should see me talking to my plants with love and affection).

Cherishing the loved ones we have in our lives, feeling gratitude for the love and acceptance they are showering us with, and in return showing them that they mean everything to us, letting them know by explicitly telling them how precious they are to us would be the best way to celebrate the Valentine’s Day.

I believe strongly that any excuse for giving love and feeling it in our heart and mind is a good excuse. Use this opportunity to have a few extraordinary minutes with the meaningful people in your life and make them feel unconditionally loved on this Valentine’s Day.

Every day is a gift. Celebrate each and every one of them with your darlings… Share your love openly. On this day and every day…