Love is a word that gets a lot of use and turns flashy and almost gimmicky during the month of February. I used to dread Valentine’s Day and all of the awkwardness and insecurity of it all. Even now, my husband and I celebrate a day in February that is more special to our relationship and Valentine’s Day holds no expectations or pressure. 

But what is love? 

Dictionary.com defines love as a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person; a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.  

Why are we selective about who we show love to? Is there a crime in having profoundly tender affection toward another person? Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all felt feelings of warm personal attachment to every human we saw and interacted with today? 

What would that look like?

It would look like not getting mad at the person who cut us off in morning traffic.

Smiling genuinely at strangers and wishing them a good morning. 

Reaching out to an acquaintance who has been going through a challenging time.

Being kind to the customer service rep on the other end of the phone call or chat session.

Showing undeserved grace when someone makes a mistake that directly affects you—yes, even if that someone is YOU.

Sharing your talents and knowledge readily.

Acknowledging someone who may not always be seen.

Recognizing that others have challenges and struggles you cannot fathom and accepting them anyway.

Not comparing.

Not judging.

Not gossiping.

Not believing gossip.

Recognizing the kindness and sacrifices of others and expressing gratitude.

Sharing what you have.

Thinking before you speak—or type.

Following through with whatever you said you would do.

Keeping a promise.

Speaking up for someone else, whether it will benefit you or not.

Helping someone else save his dignity.

Respecting another person’s opinion without taking offense.

Genuinely offering to help someone else when you can.

Refusing to accept stereotypes.

Seeking common ground instead of focusing on polarizing differences.

Patience.

My little list here barely scratches the surface. I know that this challenge is not easy. It requires effort and a change in habits. But there is power in effort. When we try to do these actions, our hearts are changed and loving becomes easier. This Valentine’s Day—and every day—let’s set out to make the world a better place through love.

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