Not everyone loves Valentine’s Day. Especially if your Valentine is gone or has changed. My dear friend lost her beloved husband ON Valentine’s Day.
Divorce, separation, death, and PTSD can overwhelm the wounded heart with grief, pain, and loneliness, which only intensifies during a holiday where others are celebrating love that for you is now a mere memory.
I’ve personally known the devastation of abandonment, loss, heartbreak, and trauma. And I’ve also been blessed with true fulfilling love later in life…in spite of the PTSD.
I had to walk through the challenges and victories of progressing one painful step at a time — from barely surviving, to really living. Those first few steps can be the hardest.
Whether this is a good time or a deep valley, we can always celebrate love. Contrary to what many assume, love is not merely a warm fuzzy feeling. True love takes action!
The following are three actions that have helped me over the years, not just on Valentine’s Day, but also for the ups and downs of everyday life.
.
Love Yourself ♥️
Self-care is so much more than manicures, massages, and movies. Try incorporating a self-scan into your daily routine. STOP. (Really.) ASK, “What do I need right now?” Then TAKE CARE of that need.
Consider your spiritual needs (such as listening to God and pouring out your heart to Him), your physical needs (such as getting enough sleep, nutrients, and regular exercise), and your emotional needs (such as processing the feelings in a healthy way, and surrounding yourself with good support).
Self-care is not a luxury, but a lifeline. And when we take care of ourselves, those around us will also benefit.
.
Love Someone Else ♥️
When I’m struggling, one of the best things I can do is reach out to someone else who may be hurting. Not only does it take my mind off myself, it is a blessing to the other person.
Who do you know that could use some encouragement today? Pray for them. Maybe take them a gift basket, or give them a call or email. Or send a card in the mail (remember how to do that?) 😉
Love in action will also help put our own pain in perspective.
.
Love God and Let Him Love You♥️
This is truly the supreme love to celebrate! Nothing on this earth can ever come close to the joy and peace that a relationship with God offers. God’s all surpassing grace was expressed through the suffering and death of His Son on the cross…for us who deserve nothing but eternal separation from Him.
This love we can celebrate anytime…now and throughout eternity.
And we can rest assured that He will never leave, and He will never change. Not even the most amazing earthly Valentine could ever come close.
I hope you truly do have a happy Valentine’s Day, and are able to celebrate all 3 of these loves. Every day! ♥️
Jesus declared, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-39)
