As we struggle to find the kindness in humanity, Valentine's Day offers us a special opportunity to value ourselves while we look to create a kinder, more caring nation.

::::::::

The political climate has changed dramatically since the Valentine message below was penned in 2014. We are living in an age more polarized, demoralized and less humane than it has been in modern memory.

Every day brings us more examples of man's inhumanity to man. We need to fight harder than ever to retain and celebrate our humanity. Let us not lose our inner core in this struggle and remain steadfast in honoring the inherent goodness we can and must contribute to society.

Search your soul and realize you are a worthy human being even as you fight to find the goodness in others. It's no easy task, but worth the effort.

If we are to survive as a functioning caring society, we must honor ourselves and struggle to find the good hiding in even the most mean-spirited. Let's keep up the good fight!

Dear Saint Valentine,

Valentine's Day is wonderful for all those who are in loving relationships with partners who are capable of demonstrating their affection and devotion for one another. Would that all were that way!

It also fills a great need for those that aren't as adept at sharing their emotions. Valentine's Day provides the opportunity to use cards, flowers, dining out and candy as a way of communicating caring.

At times actions are easier than words. Some find that catering to and doing something extra special conveys our feelings. Giving a massage with warm oil, rubbing one's feet or an extra-long hug and hungry kiss. Anything you can think of.

Valentine's Day can be such fun, especially if you are in a romantic relationship.

But as with all holidays, there is also a downside. Many of us aren't in relationships. Some of us don't feel good about ourselves, are self-critical, lonely, depressed and often despair. We judge ourselves too harshly and wonder what it is we are doing that causes us not to have a Valentine with whom to celebrate.

For others we equate lack of a Valentine with our body image or success in life. "If only I were prettier, skinnier, more handsome or richer I'd have somebody to share the holiday with."

But this is not the case. Don't be your harshest critic!

Saint Valentine, this is my wish.

Let everyone enjoy the holiday that bears your name. If they are in a relationship, that's great. And if not, that's just fine too. Love and romance come in so many forms and at the most unexpected times.

Life is short and we must celebrate it in its totality.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could take Valentine's Day and first make it a holiday of celebrating ourselves as tender, caring and loving human beings! Let it not be words, but something we truly internalize and believe at the deepest level.

We are worthy of passion, appreciation, affection, and yes even lust!

Would that we let ourselves be enveloped in a feeling of worthiness, engage in acts of kindness, and understand the importance of our contribution to a society that in 2019 seems harsher and more unfeeling than at any time in modern history.

So, Saint Valentine, I salute you and ask for your blessing on all of us regardless of background, faith or politics. Value us as contributing members of a society greatly in need of our contributions.

Most importantly, enable us to appreciate just how wonderful and deserving of love we are! And, let us share these feelings and emotions with others. Empower us to help others discover their inner goodness.

Sincerely,

Your Humble Servant

PS: I wish you all a loving and happy holiday, today and the whole year round!

A portion of this post was originally published on The Huffington Post

Authors Website: http://www.lifecoachdave.com

Authors Bio:

David Kanegis is a Certified Professional Coach.

He developed Mind Acrobatics(TM) a series of "self-empowerment" exercises and techniques designed to enable people to create and sustain life changes.

Dave holds MA's in Psychology & Education, a Certificate of Advanced Study in Education and Administration and certification as a Life and Corporate Coach. Dave coaches clients in-person (in NYC and Palm Beach,) and around the country via Skype, FaceTime and telephone.

Dave writes about everyday challenges we all face. These include: dating, reducing stress, improving relationships, raising empowered children, reducing toxic family communication and other topics of general interest.

Dave believes life is short and no time should be wasted in useless stress and disharmony.

Dave advocates ridding one's life of draining influences and filling it with people and events that enhance quality of living.

When not coaching Dave enjoys writing articles that cover a wide variety of topical matters as he attempts to help raise people's consciousness of vital issues affecting our country including both political and moral.

David does not try to convince readers of his political views. He encourages each person to act based on their personal beliefs.