Have you noticed how fast time flies by you?

In the back roads of my mind, and in yours, too, I expect, there are many good memories. Some of these back road memories were straightaways, some were gently curving, and there were always those unexpected sharp curves in the memory road. However, I believe those mental roads are there urging us to always realize that now is the time for us…

…to reflect on our history and learn how it has made us who we are. It’s very easy to run through the days of our lives without thinking what each day meant to us. At the end of each day, take some time with a glass of wine, or whatever liquid, to reflect on the day. Try to learn what went well and what could have been improved upon. While there’s time, go to your local history center and research your heritage. Your family’s history might surprise you.

…to honor and respect everyone. Yes, there are those folks who are a pain in our derrière, but I guess they deserve to be respected, too. Honor your legacy because love is a common thread in the human blanket. St. Valentine honored lovers — not a bad idea! So should we!

…to forgive. Forgiveness is critical to our well being. If someone suggested you have a certain food, and you hated it, let it go. If you hurt someone in the past, forgive yourself. None of us is perfect so it’s important for us to forgive ourselves and others. Find that special person you love and talk with them — cleanse your soul.

…to give and not just receive. Giving means to find joy in the moment. It doesn’t always mean physical giving although that’s important. There are times when your presence is the gift that speaks the loudest.

At a recent wine tasting event, we focused (…or tried to…) on wine and chocolate. There was a huge amount of giving. Obviously, there was a bit of learning about why wine and chocolate pair nicely, but there was a whole bunch of giving. There were just a few (?) verbal jabs, a touch of learning and a whole lot of fun. Everyone there gave in someway — their presence was precious.

…to love. During this time of the year, we notice many hearts, don’t we? Along with compassion, understanding, caring and goodness, love makes the world a better place. It’s alright to tell someone they are loved. It means you know how important they are to you. And, guess what? Love will come back to you!

…to remember. Whether a dear person is with you or has departed, that person is always a part of you. In someway, they helped to form you with their love. Do you remember your first crush or your first kiss? Those initial moments may not have developed into love, however, they are a part of you to recall and maybe laugh a bit about them. Don’t forget to remember…

…to enjoy yourself. Despite your perceived failures and because of your wonderful successes, laugh at yourself. You might be surprised at how much you love yourself. Not in a narcissistic fashion, but in a very personal heart fulfilling way. Make a few jokes about yourself and you’ll discover others will laugh along with you as they poke fun at themselves.

Always, always find someone or something to love. So, Ich liebe dich, Je vous aime, Ti amo, Te amo, Jeg elsker deg or however you say it, say it with meaning. Now is the time to say I love you.

Finally, when you’re “stressed” out, know it’s time for some wine and chocolate. After all, “stressed” spelled backwards is “desserts!”

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!