" Cigarettes And Valentines ... "

“ Let us paralyze this moment till it dies

To the end of the earth

Under the valley of the stars ... 

Deep inside my heart

Take a ride through the avenue

Across the great divide ... 

I'm alive, it cries

Red alert is the color

Of your paper valentine ... 

In this, do you wanna be my valentine? “

~ Green Day ~ Cigarettes And Valentines ~ 

***

A time to show appreciation for that special someone in your life.  A time to take a relationship to the next level.  A time to celebrate love.  But why do we require an assigned date full of expectations?

Do we set ourselves up to be disappointed?  Do we sabotage our relationship?  Personally, I feel that Valentines Day can harm your relationships.  Mainly because there is something stirring around this much-anticipated romantic holiday.

When loved ones don’t live up to the lofty cultural ideas associated with this holiday alternatives might start to look a bit more interesting.  Relationship that are struggling may completely break under the pressure of Being Mine.  And in some causes, this holiday may just emphasize just how much effort your partner is willing to put in ... or does it?

If you are blessed to have a rock solid partner, no holiday let alone Valentines Day can be do harm.  Because you don’t require Hallmark or anyone else to decide when, how and why you express your love.  It is within you, it is a part of you and it is who you are.  Having a designated day can be an opportunity then to do something for someone but it doesn’t have to be the only day.

We are most alive when we're in love - John Updike

Valentines Day is a beautiful day to express your love ... but why only one day?  What holds us back from doing something nice for those we love on February 13th or on Sunday?  If you knew that you only had a limited time with those you love, wouldn’t you tell them every chance you got?  Does that make you vulnerable or does that make you wise?  And are we afraid our love would be reciprocated and therefore we shy away on the basis of rejection?  

We are pure energetic love

We are connected to One and we are complete

Sadness is having the love within you die within you

Express yourself ... Love Only No Regrets

www.walkstrong.ca

" Giving … "

Giving me calm to fall into 

Giving me hope to guide me thru 

I want more I want more 

Giving me light to see thru tears 

Giving me strength to crush my fears 

I want more I want more 

Still all I need is love 

So give me more 

Giving me choice so I may seek 

Giving me faith so I'll believe 

I want more I want more 

Giving me breath of your mercy 

Giving yourself to comfort me 

I want more I want more 

Still all I need is love 

So give me more

~ Collective Soul ~ Giving ~ 

***

During the holiday season, many are frantically trying to find that special gift for the special someone.  The season of giving .  So, have you ever given any thought to the type of “giver” you are?

You may not have really thought about it.  You see we are told that Christmas is about giving and receiving.  We give to get something in return .. even if it is a thanks from recognition of having given.  So why then does holiday gift giving make us feel anxious and pressured?  Isn’t it suppose to make us happy?  After all, we are MORE blessed to give than to receive.

This time of year is usually described as time with family, religious activities, traditions, spending money, helping others and giving & receiving gifts.  And these gifts reveal the nature of the connections we have with others ... it exposes the character and the thinking of the giver.  Perhaps Christmas giving makes us anxious because it is an exchange.  Perhaps we dread receiving the bad gifts as much as giving it …

So here is an unofficial list of the type of gift-er you may recognize ...

The Genuine Giver

Someone who actually think about you and what you prefer.

The Status Hound Giver

Someone who shows their money or power by giving a costly gift that has nothing to do with the recipient.

The Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing Giver

Someone who think they are a wonderful giver but are no more genuine than the Status Hound.  Christmas is about them and will likely send a check or re-gift out of obligation.

The Power Player

Someone who manipulates the symbolic nature of the gift because they understand how gifts can cause pain, consciously or unconsciously.

The Complainer

Someone who talks endlessly about the inconveniences he or she experienced during the holiday season, especially during the acquisition of your gift (another reason there is alcohol at most parties ...).

Regardless of the “type” of giver you may connect with, giving truly is from gratitude that we have more than others.  This year, consider something different.  Volunteer at the soup kitchens, give old clothes to the thrift shops, or donate money to a local charity.  This year consider giving with the message that “you have a special place in my heart” because those are the most wonderful gifts to give and receive