V-Day Prep
As Valentine’s Day approaches, I find myself thinking less about cards and candy—and more about the quiet, meaningful ways that we love, give, and show up for others in our lives.
This past weekend, I spent three hours with the kiddos watching them make Valentine cards for one another.
Construction paper, markers, stickers, glitter, of course, and lots of heart making. 💕
I started this tradition for them because when I was growing up in my family of six kids, my parents created a Valentine’s box with a slot in the top, decorated with hearts and care.
Then we each made home made Valentines for each brother and sister, and of course my parents.
And without fail, my parents gave each of us a real store bought card—usually with a chocolate marshmallow heart tucked inside.
What I remember most wasn’t the candy. It was the thoughtfulness of my sibs. Their creativity. The feeling of being seen.
Some of the Valentines my brothers made were wildly creative—funny, heartfelt, unexpected.
And now, decades later, I’m watching my grandchildren look forward to this same ritual. I’m the one making the box now. Passing the tradition on to the next gen.
Love evolves and expands, yet its essence stays the same. It feels good to give!
This week, I also get to show my love in another way.
On Thursday, I’ll be accompanying my mom to the hospital for her hip replacement surgery.
I’ll be representing all of my siblings as I care for our mom during this first week in recovery. Then my sister flies in for the second week. Following that, the brothers will begin their visits in turn.
These moments aren’t flashy, but they matter deeply. Love often looks like showing up when it counts. And it feels good.
I know you are showing up for your peeps too.
The question is, are you depleted after giving? If so, I encourage you to give to yourself.
Give to Gain.
All of this has me reflecting on a theme I’m currently weaving into a keynote I’m preparing for International Women’s Day in March and the theme of the day is “Give to Gain.”
Here’s the truth I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way:
Giving is powerful. But giving from an empty cup helps noone.
Self-care first.
Many of us—especially women, caregivers, leaders—are generous to a fault. We give our time, energy, wisdom, and heart… and forget that receiving, resting, and replenishing are not selfish acts. They’re essential ones.
When your cup is full:
- Your giving is sustainable
- Your presence is richer
- Your impact is greater
So as Valentine’s Day approaches, I invite you to ask yourself:
- Where is love showing up in my life right now?
- Am I honoring both my ability to give and my need to receive?
- What would filling my cup look like this week so that I have more to give?
Sometimes love looks like handmade Valentines. Sometimes it looks like sitting in a hospital waiting room.
And sometimes, it looks like choosing yourself—so you can continue to show up fully for the people and causes you care so much about most.
When you do that, you are modeling self-love and that feels really good too.
Do something nice for yourself today.
With big Love, Maureen
