by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: December 27, 2008   Last Updated: February 07, 2012

Sometimes people seem to keep the secret of happiness all to themselves. Well, it is time to stand up and shout it out  “True happiness comes from within! It is a choice you make when you get up in the morning. It is the way you choose to react to the events of day. Your happiness is 100% in your control and that includes February 14th.”

Here are some excellent ways to choose happiness on Valentine’s Day.

~ Reach out to those you love or care about
Valentine’s Day is more than just romantic love. It is a great excuse to thank all those people in your life that make a difference. Surprise your favorite clerk at the grocery store with a little card and treat. Send extended family members a little card. Send a card to people who would benefit from receiving mail. Doing these things will make you feel happy and good about the day.

~ Practice kindness
For just this one day, reach out to everyone you meet with a smile and an act of kindness. Smile at everyone on the street. Do the nagging chore that someone has been requesting to get done. Leave a dollar to help pay for the item for the next person in line. Let someone in a hurry go first. Look for every opportunity to do something nice.

~ Volunteer to do something useful
Go to an assisted living center and help them make their Valentine’s crafts. Volunteer to help with story time at a local day care. Work overtime for someone who has other plans.

~ Be happy for those who have reason to celebrate
It is important not to begrudge those who are hopelessly in love and really interested in making a big deal out of Valentines Day. Smile when they make their major display of public affection. Wish them well.

~ Have a pity party with single friends
If Valentine’s Day is more like Single Awareness Day for you and your friends, get together and have a party. There is always a way for a group of people with like minds to find a way to celebrate. So get out the black balloons and chocolates and spend the evening laughing together.

~ Stay home with a bubble bath and a good book
After a busy day of volunteering, smiling, helping friends, celebrating and being kind to strangers, it is time to pamper yourself. Go home and take a nice long bubble bath and read a good book.

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