February 2016 Blog Challenge: Blog 14 of 29

Hello and a Very Happy Valentine’s Day to you…

Now, as a coach, I love to ask questions – so I am wondering, is this simply another day for you?  Or do you have something special planned with a special someone (a trip to Paris, or a box of chocolates, or ..?).  Or then again do you wish you had something special planned..?  Or could you care less?

As someone who has written and published a book about the phenomenon of love, I have been asking questions myself about what Valentine’s Day is REALLY all about, and some fascinating answers have wafted their way back to me…

In ancient times there were TWO Saint Valentines — one of Rome and one of Tern, who were martyred on this day, and the journey from them to modern day notions of romance, is a long and interesting one.

One of the first historically recorded connections between Saint Valentine and the idea of love comes much later, from Geoffrey Chaucer, who in 1381 wrote a poem to honour King Richard II’s engagement.

Then somehow, through time, tide and tradition the idea of St Valentine and love became linked to today’s date – the 14th of February.  So it was that as printing and postage became more widely available, that Valentine cards could be sent, often traditionally ‘incognito’.

And there are so many more components I could continue on – of chocolate, of cupids, of roses and more, but aside from tradition and expectation, what could Valentine’s Day really represent for us all???

Love comes in many forms and can be found in all aspects of our lives, whatever our relationship status may be.  Where is the love in your life?  Does it start with you, for you, can you see it and perhaps more importantly do you choose to see it?

Love percolates our life in so many ways – way beyond the singular romantic notion, so today, where ever you are in life, let’s celebrate and cherish it.

That is my simple request to you, today, to celebrate love, in all its forms… I wonder, when you ponder love in all its variations and transmutations, where this journey will take you?

For me it led to publishing Peachey Letters ~ Love Letters to Life, the exploration of the love in all aspects of my own life.  I’m equally chuffed and humbled that my sharing and stories in that book have touched many hearts, who have been entertained, challenged and who, in turn have used love to heal, to analyse and let go in their own lives too.

It’s 3 years since my book of Love Letters was published and if you don’t have a copy yet, you can get it on Kindle or paperback from Amazon, or get a special Valentine deal direct from me by clicking here for more information on my website – where you can get your copies significantly discounted.