Love in Action

Love is the life of the soul. It is the harmony of the universe. (William Ellery Channing)

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner (as if you needed reminding). And while there are plenty of people rolling their eyes at the thought of this “manufactured holiday imposed upon the masses as a way for greeting card companies, florists and candy stores to make some extra dough” let’s try for just a moment to take this day as a chance to be a little kinder, more loving and (gasp!) appreciative of the love in your life.

While it is true that one doesn’t need a holiday to show how much they love their partner, it is easy to brush aside the concept of romantic love. Too often, romance gets put on the back burner while life gets in the way. But what’s wrong with simple, romantic gestures? And what’s wrong with one special day to acknowledge that love is a vital part of the human condition?

To get into the spirit of things, here are a few of my favorite quotes pertaining to the nature of love:

    Love is a game that two can play and both win. ~Eva Gabor

   You know you're in love when you don't want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams. ~Dr. Seuss

   The heart has its reasons that reason knows nothing of. ~Blaise Pascal, Pensées, 1670

   I have been astonished that men could die martyrs for their religion -
   I have shudder'd at it.
   I shudder no more.
   I could be martyr'd for my religion
   Love is my religion
   And I could die for that.
   I could die for you.
   ~ by John Keats ~

    Love doesn't sit there like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all of the time, made new. ~Ursula K. Le Guin

   Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind,
   And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.
   ~William Shakespeare, Mid-Summer Night's Dream, 1595

Use these quotes to inspire you, to reinvigorate your love, to remind you of the depth and breadth of the greatest force in this world. Love is the action of kindness, the action of sacrifice, the action of compassion. Showering your partner with love doesn’t mean you have to buy them roses or chocolates this holiday. It doesn’t mean you have to write them a poem or take them out for a fancy dinner. Love in action means listening without judgment, saying kind words in stressful moments, or creating space in your day just to be with them.

Just a smile in your lover’s direction, a hug at the end of the day, or helping them in little ways can make all the difference within your relationship. Communication is the key to any happy relationship, but when was the last time you really communicated about your love? Take this Valentine’s Day as a way to reignite your relationship by committing to love in action. Be bold, be passionate, be irrationally romantic.

And don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.

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Tweet Natalie your favorite way to spend Valentine’s Day with your love @nataliestweets.