Celebrate Friendship and Gratitude

February 14, 2025

Dear Friends,

I want to take a moment to wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day - a day celebrated with symbols of love and friendship. When I was teaching high school, we always made Valentine cards, and I encouraged students to make one for an aunt, a little old lady who lived next-door, anybody who had shown them kindness. I knew Valentine’s Day could be a dreaded day if we don’t find ourselves in that special relationship.

In simpler days….

In my classroom!

Created by my mother as a teenager - vintage Valentine

February has been a whirlwind month here, and I think many of us are finding each day a bit challenging just to put one foot in front of the other.

I was blessed to show art with some of my best friends, the women of Art Dialogue. We held a well attended panel discussion on the last weekend, and I think we all learned a bit more about each other and creativity.

At home, our adult children visited, and we celebrated a late Christmas - as lovely as it was, now some quiet time feels good.

So, with these thoughts in mind, I acknowledge that many of us are feeling a bit shocked and anxious recently. I firmly believe February is a time of nurture and self-care. Take time to be quiet and wind down.

Journaling is extremely important for me to order my thoughts. I’ve asked myself if fretting helps. Of course, not!  Better use of my time is to ask how I can be of helpful to the world and others. None of us can do it all. I believe God gave each one of us desires of the heart and skills. We need to prioritize and select what we can do - ask ourselves, “What am I created to do?”

I know I can share and encourage others. I can select perhaps two or three things to champion. I can connect with those who share my views and goals — and work together.

This week, I pondered and researched how people in the past have survived dire circumstances. How do people cope through perilous times?

As I began taking notes on coping skills (and watching something encouraging such as my favorite British Netflix series, “Call the Midwife”) I grew more comforted.

I was reminded that Cory Ten Boom, imprisoned in a concentration camp for her efforts to harbor hundreds of Jewish people from Nazis, thanked God for fleas because they allowed prisoners to meet without the guards! I sincerely hope it will not ever come to that for us!

For those who survived, what skills did they develop?

-They developed strong bonds with other humans.

-They learned to adapt to their environment by staying as healthy and clean as possible.

-The developed a sense of humor.

-They minimized risks.

Not easy tasks. And they were blessed.

Some coping strategies that I encourage for today:

-Journal or make art

-Exercise, eat healthy food, and prioritize sleep

-Nurture  friendships.

-Enjoy your pets.

-If possible, create regular routines and rituals.

-Reconnect with loved ones.

Some say that coping is a process. It is OK to be overwhelmed and scared at times; normalize these feelings; recognize and give yourself time to grieve if necessary.

Strengthen support systems and find time for self-care.

Find meaning in purpose; focus on what you can control. Look for ways to make a difference.

———

I understand that life can become a blur, just getting through each day, often with the added responsibility of taking care of other people.

Your nurturing rituals may be short and self-care brief, but can help!

With that in mind, Happy Valentine’s Day! Remember, it is also a day to celebrate friendship and gratitude.

I would love to hear your thoughts on how to encourage each other and cope with trials. What creative activities are you pursuing?

Inspired by all of you, my friends!

Janis