The heart of the matter
“To love well is the task in all meaningful relationships, not just romantic bonds.” ~bell hooks
While Valentine’s Day was originally designed to celebrate romantic love, the holiday has evolved to include our love for friends and family. Hallmark produces Valentine cards for everyone in your life, from siblings to parents to best friends. You can even buy a Valentine for your dog to give a loved one.
Love is a wonderful thing. As medical experts advise, spending time with people we enjoy promotes longevity and supports mental health. Ideally, when we connect in person with others, we step outside of ourselves and our world expands. This week, think about all the people you love and how they’ve made a positive difference in your life. ~CL
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Cindy La Ferle
Throughout my career, I've worked as a book production editor, travel magazine editor, features writer, and weekly newspaper columnist. My award-winning lifestyles features and essays have appeared in many national magazines and anthologies, including Newsweek, Reader's Digest, The Christian Science Monitor, Writer's Digest, Victoria, Better Homes & Gardens, Bella Grace, and more. My weekly Sunday "Life Lines" column ran for 14 years in The Daily Tribune (Royal Oak, MI) and won a First Place (Local Columns) award from the Michigan Press Association. My essay collection, Writing Home, includes 93 previously published columns and essays focusing on parenthood and family life.
