A New Way to Think About Valentine’s Day

 

Most of us have a love-hate relationship with Valentine’s Day. There’s a nice sentiment behind the holiday, but all the expensive flowers, five-course meals, and sappy cards take a lot of the fun out of it.

If you wish Valentine’s Day would just go away, we get it. But what if you approached the holiday a little differently this year? 

Instead of feeling pressure to celebrate the day in some formulaic, overly romantic way, why not show everyone, yes everyone, a little love? 

Being kind to others around you — your loved ones and random strangers on the street — can bring them and you a whole lot of joy. And shouldn’t that be what this time of year is all about? 

If you’re strapped for ideas, here are 10 ways you can show others some love starting today!

  1. Treat the person in line for coffee behind you to a free cup of Joe (just hand a few extra bucks to the barista!).
  2. Text a friend or two you haven’t spoken to in a while, and see how they’re going.
  3. Drop off cookies (or anything chocolate) for a neighbor who doesn’t get out much.
  4. Watch a friend’s children for an hour or two so they can run an errand/take a shower/exercise.
  5. Tell the person on the other end of a customer service call to have a nice day.
  6. Give a stranger a compliment (you’d be surprised how just saying, “You have great hair” could brighten someone’s day).
  7. Pass along a book you loved to a friend (they won’t mind if there are underlined parts and dog-eared pages).
  8. Frame a favorite, old photo and mail it to your parents, aunt, or uncle.
  9. Walk a neighbor’s dog (or dog sit) so they get a little extra time in their day.
  10. Put money in someone’s parking meter (and leave a note on their windshield to “Have a nice day!”).


By showing up for other people, you’re bettering their lives and yours. And isn’t that the perfect way to celebrate this holiday? 

Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Emily and the EveryDay Happy Team

 

Quote du jour

“Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day.” — Sally Koch

 

Read and Listen to More Like This 

Are You Feeling the Love?

Be the Lighthouse 

Are You Gliding or Growing?

How You (Yes You!) Can Make a Difference 

 

*We love all of our picks, and if you make a purchase, we may get a little something back. Thanks for your support!

 

Latest Feel-Good Notes

Make Time for Your Dreams

Make Time for Your Dreams

What’s one thing you could do that would make this year stand out from the rest and make you feel like you took a big leap in your life?

These days, many of us are so pressed for time that we give ourselves few moments to do what actually excites us. But even if your day feels impossibly stuffed, you can make time for what really matters.

Sounds nice, but how, you may be wondering? I’m so happy you asked!

You Are Enough, Right Now

You Are Enough, Right Now

Some days you may feel like you’re not good enough, or doing enough. You may wish you could snap your fingers and turn into a version of yourself you think you should be with a perfect job, spotless house, and exciting hobbies (or whatever your definition of an ideal life may be).  

But here’s something you need to know … You are wonderful, just as you are. You are enough, right now.

7 Ways To Add More Happiness To Your Day

7 Ways To Add More Happiness To Your Day

Imagine rolling out of bed with a smile on your face, laughing throughout your day, and going to bed feeling calm and content?

While not every day will be sunshine and rainbows, there are so many things you can do to add more joy to each day.

Here are seven of my favorite ways:

A Less Stress Summer

A Less Stress Summer

Summer is synonymous with relaxation, but sometimes we find ourselves stressed out and not living our best, “feet in the sand, good book in hand,” season.

Worries happen to all of us. But, one of the easiest ways to feel more carefree is to take a moment to declutter your brain. Because here’s the deal: Our brain can only handle so many thoughts at once. Anything extra bouncing around distracts you from enjoying otherwise happy moments.

Here’s how: