Love Is All Around

Living gratefully today, on this Valentine's Day, I embrace the love I have for my husband Darcy, our family, extended families and friends. For strangers who help in unseen ways, for my ever-patient Higher Power. And for myself in new and transformative ways that continue to unfold here in midlife.

This is from my first Valentine's Day post on Habitual Gratitude, on February 14, 2013: 

I am grateful for the love that I have in my life today; faith, family, friends, self.

And for the unconditional love I have most learned from others in recovery from alcoholism and addiction.

There were a few years in my life, quite a few, when Valentine's Day served as a reminder, and a painful one at that, of what I didn't have-a husband, a family of my own. But the practice of gratitude helped me reach the point where I could frame it positively. I have always been loved by my family of origin and I have never been friend-less. I came to appreciate the love I did have in my life, not the one I felt I was missing. But I did hope to find that missing love. And I did.

I always planned to keep my maiden name of Holthaus-a good German name-when I got married. But then I met Mr. Valentine. I am a Holthaus at heart, but I love being Mrs. Valentine. I joke that with our name, every day is Valentine's Day for us. Truly it can be for everyone. Taking the time to be grateful for the special people we have in our lives, and letting them know in big ways and small what they mean to us, can and should happen year-round.

Heart-shaped chocolates may be seasonal, but the love isn't.  Have a nice day!

There have been several Valentines-themed posts since then. It's a day that I look forward to, but it is also just a day. Living gratefully and sharing love is a daily endeavor. 

An endeavor best manifested with an open heart. This photo, another from the weekend ice sculpture display, symbolizes this well:

It stands in front of one of our favorite downtown restaurants, with the bridge that brings me home from work each day in the background. Happy Valentine's Day one and all!