In my short 38 years on this Earth, I’ve learned a handful of things about love. May I share them with you?

1. The person who is most difficult to love is the one who needs it most. Our world is desperately short on compassion and thoughtfulness. Be the one to add those things to it.
2. The more love you give, the more love you get. True love is selfless, never expecting something in return. But somehow, genuine acts of love find their way right back to you like a boomerang. Try it.
3. Learn to love yourself first. You’re better able to truly love others.
4. Love is a living thing. If you’re lucky enough to find it, don’t set it on a dusty shelf to display. Bring it out into the sunshine. Appreciate it as it changes. Feed it constantly. Let it grow.
5. Love is a battlefield- but it’s worth fighting for. Don’t throw in the towel when love isn’t a ray of sunshine. After the clouds part on those dark days, love will gleam with deeper beauty.

I’m not a V-day Hater. I’ve got a heart on my sweater and a heart-shaped cookie-cutter in my hand today. We’ve got fun plans for the afternoon to celebrate being in love.

It’s not about extravagant gifts or finding the perfect greeting card or over-doing it. But I’ve always adored the idea of a special day when it’s completely appropriate to share love. A lot.

The list of reasons why I love my Valentine is long, and I’ll share some of those items with him today. But the best thing about being with John is that we laugh. As long as we’re laughing together, I know we’re ok. Love is laughter.

No matter where you find it- in yourself, in your loving dog, in your best friend, in your Valentine- I hope every one of you gets to give- AND take-  a little love on this day!

*All text images from Pinterest.