February is notably a month used to communicate love. Specifically, millions around the globe take part in Valentine’s Day on February 14 to show their significant others how much they care. Whether you plan to cook up a five-course meal for your sweetheart or treat yourself and ignore the holiday all together, the sentiment for Valentine’s Day is in the right place.
This year, instead of simply focusing on your loved ones, consider using February as a time to spread love all over your community. From small acts of kindness to lasting community connections, there are so many ways you can show love this month. Check out some suggestions below.
Give Gifts
Relax, we’re not advising you to spend hundreds on flowers and chocolates this month. Instead, we’re referring to different types of gifts. Pablo Picasso is quoted as saying, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”
Find your passions and your talents, and then use them to make a positive impact in the world. For example, maybe you’re super handy and good at building things. Consider helping to spruce up a community space in your neighborhood. If you excel in the kitchen, consider baking up some goods for those in need. Whatever it is that you’re good at, try to find a way to give your gifts back to the world.
Make A Love Connection
Who says love connections are only for those romantically involved? Use February as a time to fall in love with an organization that gives back. Think about the things you love to do or the causes you identify with and do your research. From mentoring to food banks, animal shelters and fighting homelessness, there is an organization out there for almost every need. You just have to find it! Build a love connection by volunteering or donating your time.
Express Your Gratitude
Handwritten cards are often a staple of the Valentine holiday, especially for young children. Who says you have to change any of that as you get older? Cut out a paper heart from construction paper and write a heartfelt note of gratitude and love for people in your life.
Take it a step further and express gratitude or love for somebody you’ve never met. There are thousands of elderly nursing home residents who haven’t been able to see family members due to the pandemic. Write some cards to those local residents. Or, consider writing gratitude letters for our troops who may be missing family. There are plenty of people out there who are in need of some kind words.
Show You Care
It’s the little things that sometimes matter most. Small acts of kindness can go a long way. When you see an opportunity to help or do good for somebody, take it. This doesn’t have to be a huge gesture or take up much of your time. Sometimes small acts of kindness are the easiest to do and end up meaning the most to somebody who isn’t expecting it. Bring coffee to a friend who has been struggling lately. If even that sounds out of reach, simply pick up the phone and call that person. You never know how much these small gestures mean to them.
There’s plenty of love out there in the world; you just have to open your eyes and look for it! Use February as a reminder to give the gifts you have to offer back to your community. Find an organization you can fall in love with. Write notes of thanks to those you know and those you don’t. Most of all, simply lead with love. Everybody is going through something right now, and showing more love and compassion in the world is never a bad idea.
