Greetings All ~

It's that day that comes but once a year (as do all days). Valentine's Day brings our focus to Love... Hearts & Flowers....Chocolate & Greeting Cards...

When we were in grade school, we got a list of names of everyone in our class. We were supposed to give everyone a Valentine. At least that's what my mom told me; to never leave anyone out. That would be unkind. I don't think everyone operated that way though. Some didn't give Valentines to the "unpopular" ones. This led to the inevitable counting to see who got the most. Who was the most popular? Who was the most loved? And it was there for all to see in what was an all-too-public tally and announcement on the playground.

Later, it became how your boyfriend or girlfriend showed their love. Flowers? Dinner? Jewelry? Sex? It always seemed to come down to what you got—not what you gave. Valentine's Day could be the open door to professing unrevealed love (or attraction) to someone. But at what cost? What if you got hit with the humiliation or pain of rejection? Often, the fear of that response outweighed the courage to express what was in the heart.

But the heart is strong. Even at its most wounded, it keeps on. There are innumerable stories and songs about the strength of the heart's desire. That gentlest entity, the one that feels most deeply, also has the most courage. In many cultures it's called being lionhearted. The astrological sign of Leo is known for simultaneously being the most fearless and the most magnanimous. Its corresponding body part is the heart.

The lion symbolizes not only the heart's ability to muster courage at a moment's notice, but also to do it over and over again. And its strength comes from giving, not getting. I remember it feeling oh-so-right to follow our mother's direction of inclusion, rather than the snobby girls' derision through rejection. And there were a couple of times I worried about doing so—that I'd become their target. But Mama was right. If that happened, I didn't notice.

The Courage of Love blinds the worry of Fear.

Just for fun, here is a link to Bert Lahr's famous turn as the Cowardly Lion from "The Wizard of Oz. And remember? He ended up being the bravest. His courage came from love and devotion.

All Good Things,
VickyRose

Greetings All ~

I recently had a phone chat with a friend who had moved away. They've never been great at returning calls or texts. We ended up talking about this, and it was revealed they felt intruded upon when people called and that people were being nosy. I pointed out that the calls they were receiving weren't necessarily just that. Perhaps people needed to be uplifted by their unique enthusiasm for life, their joy,their love, and the value they brought to the world. There was a pause, and they admitted that they hadn't thought about it that way. Sure enough,they started calling more regularly—and not just me, but others, too.

This interaction got me thinking. When I've been unsure or feeling low or impatient with others, I've forgotten about the value I bring or the value others bring to the world. And that value is not just my own in this lifetime. It is the value of all those who came before me. It is the legacyof the wisdom, creativity and strength of my ancestors. To stop and breathe in the knowledge that's been provided, is key to keep going in difficult times.

We are an amalgamation of our previous generations' deeds, wordsand lessons. So often focus is put on past traumas, and in doing so, the fortitude it took to get through those times gets lost. I'm not saying horrific events are to be ignored or minimized. But to concentrate on just that, without acknowledging what it took to get through those events, is a disregard of those who brought us into our very existence.

Think of all the women who, over generations, were uprooted and moved away from their communities of crones because their husbands decided it was time to emigrate—and they didn't have the financial or societal support to choose otherwise. Think of the billions of people who have been forced into refugee status because those in power decided to wage war. Think about the genocides that have been and are being perpetrated and those who've survived. And yet here we are, because they trod a Path of Value—whether the value was placed upon themselves or their future generations.

There are, of course, the individual stories of trauma most of us have experienced or are even in the midst of. And yet here we are—managing to struggle through it all. Maybe it's the biology of survival, or spirit rising or simple hope, but we do it. And while doing so, we add value to the world. The lessons become clearer and strength becomes crystalized. And it is passed on. The path continues, value gained from value.

When you're impatient or weary of others, find their value; whether it's their smile or their shoes. And, most importantly, tellthem. Everyone brings something to the table.

If you're low, remind yourself of the value you bring to the world. If that isn't showing up, tap into the value of your ancestors—that's you!

And, most importantly, walk their Path of Value.

All Good Things,
Vicky Rose