Sparkle Schoolhouse

Sparkle Weekly Wonderings: Make Valentine's Day your own

Happy Valentine’s Day!

What are you going to do with this funny, sweet little February holiday?

To be honest, Valentine’s Day is a real unicorn when it comes to holidays. Its origin is complicated — essentially a mix of the martyrdom of Saint Valentine (slain for carrying out his priestly duty of marrying people) and Lupercalia (a pagan festival of fertility). The Christian church maintained the “love” part of the pagan festival which developed over time to include exchanging cards of affection, often called “valentines.”

So what do you do with all of that?

Make it your own.

What makes you feel the most lit up, abundant, and love-filled? Whatever that is, do it — because it will spill over into everyone around you.

Leave secret love notes around town. Spend a day in nature with your people. Take the day to do as little as possible. Make art. Call old friends. Perform random acts of kindness. Host an impromptu potluck with friends. Help those in your circle who could use a little extra love. Bake goodies to give to neighbors. Pick one that resonates with you — or choose your own adventure.

I plan to do a mix of the above this Valentine’s weekend: a family painting project, an extra-long hike with my dogs, a dinner with friends (because I LOVE having a pack of kids running amok in the yard), and leaving secret love drawings around in our favorite central Austin locations.

At Sparkle, we’re thrilled (thrilled!) to share the third story of the new Libby & Dish series. It feels like a Valentine in itself — the stories are tremendously dear. If you haven’t listened yet, please do! And then tell us what you think in our tiny survey (below).

Lastly: heads up! Next week, we launch the Nurtured Heart stories — all about building more love and connection with your family and friends.

Sending you great big love for this Valentine’s weekend!