Most people think of Valentines Day as the day of Love for Sweethearts.  I mean come on, all the commercials tell us that, right? 

Don't buy into the hype that this day of Love is only for Sweethearts!

Is it any wonder that so many people struggle with depression around this holiday.  Not everyone has a "Sweetheart".  And the expectations and expense can be overwhelming.  Well, it doesn't have to be expensive or just a day for sweethearts.

I say we focus more on the part where this is a day about LOVE. 

It doesn't matter if you are married, single, dating, divorced, widowed, have kids, don't have kids, have pets, parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, this day is for you too. 

But let's start with the number one person you should show love toward on this day.  YOURSELF!

 Our Father in Heaven loves us, and he wants us to love ourselves.  So this Valentines Day, let's make it about love.  Let's show love to ourselves, our friends, families, kids, pets, each other, our sweethearts, even strangers.

You - Do something nice for yourself for Valentines. Treat yourself to something you've been wanting or dreaming about. Do something you enjoy. Be good to yourself, pamper yourself and remind yourself that you are enough.  
Friends - Make it a Galentines or Palentines Day and get together with friends. Catch a movie, grab a bite to eat, hit the gym or mall or a favorite sporting event.
Kids - Have a special date with the kids. Pack a lunch and have an indoor/outdoor picnic. Go for a bike ride, spend some one on one time.
Family - Send family members a card expressing how much you love them. Call your grandparents or grandchildren and remind them how special they are to you. Plan a brunch and get together and laugh.
Pets - Take them for a walk or a car ride.
Sweetheart - Hold hands, express gratitude, laugh, have a romantic night in with take out and a movie.
Strangers - Smile, give a sincere compliment, show kindness, offer help.

Basically, if your heart is beating, you have someone or something to share Love with on this day.

1. Offer to watch a single parents kids, so they can finish up some last minute shopping
2. Drop off some baked goodies to your local fire station, on Christmas Eve
3. Go caroling/visit or drop off Christmas cards/children's art work to a nursing/retirement home
4. Drop off new stuffed animal's to your local police station or S.A.F.E. organization
5. Drop off some flowers to the nurses desk at the hospital (they will know who needs them)
6. Shovel the snow from a neighbors driveway/sidewalk
7. Send Christmas cards to Soldiers, Missionaries, Others who won't be home for the Holidays
8. Drop off children's books to a children's hospital or doctors office
9. Collect and deliver clothes, books, toys to a shelter
10. Pick-up some extra wrapping paper & tape and drop it off to a neighbor
11. Pick-up some personal hygiene items at the dollar store, put in a stocking and deliver to a battered woman's shelter
12. Call a lonely neighbor/friend/family member just to catch up, listen and show love
13. Buy a bag of cat/dog food and deliver it to an animal shelter
14. Bake some treats with your children, then drop them off at their school for the teacher's lounge
15. Offer to put up Christmas lights for older neighbors or family/friends
16. Make easy tie blankets and donate to a shelter
17. Offer to run errands or do some grocery shopping for someone that is in need  (a new mom, an elderly person, someone who is sick or recovering, someone who doesn't drive)
18. Have your family play "Secret Santa" for a family in need
19. Have your family "Adopt" a Grandparent that doesn't have family near
20. Make an sincere effort to smile at others, freely give compliments, show kindness & love