The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl--possibly his jailor's daughter--who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today.
(Retrieved on 2/14/2012 from http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day.)
Tradition: I appreciated how today's holiday traditions played out at work: One of our dear social workers took on the role of mystery chocolate cherub. She secretly and strategically planted chocolates on her coworker's desks, but purposefully passed mine. Her coworkers enjoyed it. She knew I was watching my weight and didn't want to tempt me. She almost sounded apologetic or second guessed her reasons for not leaving me any. I really appreciated that she was so thoughtful about everyone. She cared and respected me enough to not just assume I would appreciate the treat. That was neat. It is okay to care about people and not give them treats on holidays. :)
Value of Food: The majority of people I knew grew up in homes where occasions typically centered around the food. And often, in listening to stories of older generations, I have learned that people often celebrated with food and celebrated food itself, in part, because they lived through experiences of not knowing when they would see their next meal. They knew what starvation might feel like. Food brought people together. It truly was a thing to celebrate. Times are different now. For most of us, having food is not so hard to come by. In fact, processed foods are way too easy to come by. Talk with people who have lived through hard times, depression, war, etc., and they are keen to pick up on differences in attitudes of the younger generations (pardon the over-generalization). Let's face it; we are more likely to treat food differently, and too often, with a lack of respect and appreciation for its value. We don't have to follow the same traditions that our families did with regard to how we celebrate with the quantities and types of foods. But we can still enjoy and celebrate the experience of food! We can appreciate its value. Rather than let tradition die, we can change it up and make it healthier! (Or make changes in the quantities that we prepare.)
Back to Valentine's Day: I appreciated that I didn't have to get caught up in the commercialism. At the same time, I enjoyed listening to the varied reactions to the holiday. There were those with a "bah, humbug" attitude, which always makes me chuckle (and join in from time to time). There were those who seemed to have difficulty grasping that my idea of a good Valentine's Day was coming home in time to cook a good dinner, spending a little quality time w/my cats, and then spending time on the computer. I heard several people talk about their plans for the evening; it was nice to see effort being made to share a special moment together to make the occasion count. Some couples with children disagreed on the "meaning" of the day. Was it all about the children, the dozens of cards, cut outs, treats, and decorations? Or was the intention of the holiday geared more toward couples and romance? Could it be both? Is there really any hard, cut & dry rules? We make of it what we want to make of it. In listening to some complaints about expectations that appeared to have gone south, it seems one thing became clear: If there is someone you really care about, it is important to be able to communicate effectively with that person. Listening is just as important as sharing. And being open to hearing who the other person really is, and not just who we try to make them be, is vital.
Wrapping it Up: I worked hard today, but also enjoyed my day. I gave myself a break from the gym this evening. My food choices fell within my daily goals/limits: Breakfast: Kashi Autumn Wheat cereal, almond milk, water with a touch of juice, and coffee w/half & half. (Won't give up my half & half!) Lunch break I enjoyed conversation with a dear friend at a local restaurant: Greek salad and coffee. Dinner: Salad with avocado, with onion, broccoli, and sweet potatoes broiled & brushed w/olive oil & spices (curry powder, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, garlic, etc.). It's a quick and filling meal.
However you chose to spend your day, I hope it was a
Happy & Satisfying Valentine's Day!
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