What is the essence of Valentine’s Day? For me, it is a day to celebrate the many facets of love and show how much you love people in the smallest of ways and kindest of ways. Those people do not necessarily have to be your boyfriend, spouse, or partner, and the way you celebrate doesn’t mean you have to break the bank.

I believe that what makes the act of “valentining” special is the thought you put into giving. The planning, the thought of saying to yourself: What could I do to make this person feel special? Now, why do we have to wait until February 14th to do this? Why can’t we live like it is Valentine’s every day? Would we wear ourselves out by being nice and extra thoughtful every day? Would we dilute the specialness of birthdays and holidays? Do we have a set meter for being nice and then no more?

The more generosity of spirit we have, the happier we become. When we truly take the time to be present for someone, we are subtly saying: you are important, you are special, you mean something to me, and I want to give of myself to you. There is no better gift than you.

When I try to make people feel special, I go out of my way to get the details right. After all, it is the journey, not the destination. The entire process of creating a special gift or moment is transformative, not only for the recipient but for the giver. The joy of the giving process is grand and transformative.

So, the next time you prepare dinner, pour a glass of wine, make a cup of tea, or fix your child’s lunch box, do it with a total loving spirit. The next time you say thank you to someone, stop and say it with your heart - not merely as an expected gesture.

Look around you at this very moment and create your own Valentine’s moment now.