As Valentine’s Day approaches, I see ads, commercials, websites, and movies everywhere selling love, or even more specific, selling products. For me, when I was a little kid, Valentine’s Day was fun and was about getting candy from my parents and writing goofy little cards with Garfield or Snoopy on them to all my friends in school. As I grew older, Valentine’s Day was more about honoring my Mom. When I started dating, it meant getting my girlfriend flowers and candy, and taking her out to a nice dinner. Of course the years I was single, Valentine’s Day served simply as a reminder to me and my single friends of just that… we were single; no girlfriends and no one to love. Often for me, the love around Valentine’s Day seemed to only be about significant others, mothers, or kids… and what to buy them.

I had this concept in my head about Valentine’s Day, but I paused and decided to redefine it for myself. I want to make it simply about love… for everyone. I heard about the Starbucks Love Project, and was amazed at all the people around the world who came together to sing about love. My heart was beaming with joy witnessing this phenomenon, and I was reminded, as I often am, that love is universal. So this year as Valentine’s Day approaches, I’m not only thinking about one special night with one special woman, I’m also taking the time to think about all the love that blesses my life. I’m thinking about, and being grateful for, all the people in my life who love and support me, and whom I love and support. I am wishing love and blessings not only for my girlfriend, but for my parents, for my brother and his family, for my friends, even for my clients who are more than just clients to me. This February I celebrate the love of all the people who have been a part of my life, and for all the people whose hearts have touched mine… in every way, big and small.

This Valentine’s Day… Share Love, for everyone.