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As with anything on social media there is a fine line between inspired and defeated.
Maybe it's because I'm in this winter funk that I risk dealing with the defeated feeling more. Often when I check out social media I have to have a good talk with myself. "Louise, when you were a kid, what did Valentine's Day look like? Just a card. You enjoyed writing out everyone's names. You liked assigning each message to a specific person. You loved seeing what each card said. That was enough and it still is. Do other people enjoy being crafty? Yes. Let them do their crafty thing and have fun with it!" You get the point, I'm just working it out. By the way, other people talk to themselves all day long, right?
Maybe it's because I'm in this winter funk that I risk dealing with the defeated feeling more. Often when I check out social media I have to have a good talk with myself. "Louise, when you were a kid, what did Valentine's Day look like? Just a card. You enjoyed writing out everyone's names. You liked assigning each message to a specific person. You loved seeing what each card said. That was enough and it still is. Do other people enjoy being crafty? Yes. Let them do their crafty thing and have fun with it!" You get the point, I'm just working it out. By the way, other people talk to themselves all day long, right?
On the 14th I hope to give the kids some heart-shaped treats (because food seems to be one of their love languages) and Gary will get a special card along with some chocolates, well, if there are any left as he already found them.
My encouragement to all, whether crafty or not, is that we continue to be conscious of how loved our kids/friends/partners are feeling each and every day.
I don't say this in a know-it-all way, I say it in a my-kids-and-I-have-had-a-rough-year kind of way. I have really had to reflect on this a lot when dealing with different personalities and situations. Is their "love tank" full? Do they feel heard? Do they know my love is unconditional? And then conversely: Are they showing love and appreciation to others?
We often get caught up in all the things we supposedly need and "have to have" when really our needs are pretty basic. The things that matter most often cost nothing but require our effort in regards to time and energy. So clichè but life is short. We don't know how much time we have with each person. Make the time to let others know that they are loved every day and not just on Valentine's Day. I can feel overwhelmed with expectations and have to continually check in with myself. What really matters? I'm on it.
Happy Valentine's Day, friends. I hope you feel loved and appreciated on the 14th and every day.
Love,
Louise
My encouragement to all, whether crafty or not, is that we continue to be conscious of how loved our kids/friends/partners are feeling each and every day.
I don't say this in a know-it-all way, I say it in a my-kids-and-I-have-had-a-rough-year kind of way. I have really had to reflect on this a lot when dealing with different personalities and situations. Is their "love tank" full? Do they feel heard? Do they know my love is unconditional? And then conversely: Are they showing love and appreciation to others?
We often get caught up in all the things we supposedly need and "have to have" when really our needs are pretty basic. The things that matter most often cost nothing but require our effort in regards to time and energy. So clichè but life is short. We don't know how much time we have with each person. Make the time to let others know that they are loved every day and not just on Valentine's Day. I can feel overwhelmed with expectations and have to continually check in with myself. What really matters? I'm on it.
Happy Valentine's Day, friends. I hope you feel loved and appreciated on the 14th and every day.
Love,
Louise
I talk to myself all the time! It helps for me to talk things out especially if I'm feeling anxious about something and there's no one else around to talk to about it. Also, I'd say I'm a pretty crafty/creative person, but also can't always be bothered to do the 'crafty' thing due to time or motivation. I think what you say in a card is more important that what the card looks like.
ReplyDeleteI think it is an anxiety type thing too! You are crafty but I agree--words are more important!
DeleteLove this- such a good reminder for me not just for Valentine's but all the time!
ReplyDeleteI am not crafty at all and could care less haha! Thankfully Valentines Day here is not like back home. Kids don't share valentine cards... Ive actually never seen them for sale here, its great in my opinion. I did get Barney a card and some brie cheese and will cook him a special dinner. The kids will get cuddles and kisses :) Like you said, its more that just stuff. It's a daily practice of loving each other and making sure that the boys know it :)
ReplyDeleteLynn W.
I find that so interesting, Lynn! Gary just came home with Brie cheese too 😉
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