"Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction."
 - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Good morning! I was working on finding a quote for this morning and have to tell you it was really a toss up between this one and "I married the first man I ever kissed. When I tell this to my children, they just about throw up," said by former first-lady Barbara Bush. (Thought you might like the chuckle this morning.)

Actually, I was quite blessed when I was working on my Good Mornings for February as a note came in just as I began to contemplate Valentine's Day. It was a note from Good Morning reader Beverly M. and she wrote:

I often tell the significant others in my life - family and friends that I love them more today than yesterday and less than I shall tomorrow. I do not remember where I found that quote but for me it is an affirmation that my love will continue to grow, develop and expand each day.

I thought that was so beautifully articulated. And what is Valentine's Day? It is a time when we articulate our feelings toward our loved ones. Often it is done through browsing for the perfect card, but why not take a moment today and write a special handwritten note? Then take it a step further and make an effort to verbally express and affirm your love as Beverly does.

My daughter and I have a fun routine that started when she was around 4. Somehow in one of our phone calls (I was traveling) we ended up (in our ever competitive way) bantering back and forth with "I love you" statements. I had said I love you, she had responded with the same, and I had said "I love you, plus one." This has led to many variations over the years --- "I love you more than mountains are high," "I love you more than every number plus itself squared." My daughter finally took the cake with, "I love you more than more." For seven years we have bantered and shared our affection through "I love you" statements, and I anticipate many more wonderful years (in between not talking to me in her teen phase) of I love you statements.

Your Turn:
How often do you say "I love you," to those you love? Do the words roll off your tongue in routine, or are they said with heartfelt meaning? Think of ways you can articulate and share your feelings for those you love. Take a moment today to write a handwritten note and express your love to someone.

Your Affirmation:
I express my love for others easily and often.
 

Challenge Life!

Brook Noel