“I am going to walk to the bridge. If one person smiles at me on the way, I will not jump.”
– Quote from The Bridge
Unfortunately, the person who said those words did jump.
No one smiled. A life was lost.
I hate to be such a downer on the week of Valentine’s Day, a day where all the flowers, chocolates, hearts, and colors of red and pink remind us of romance and lovey-dovey stuff (which isn’t inherently bad at all!). But I wanted to draw attention to a different kind of love, a kind that extends its reach to every single person, that isn’t confined to romantic relationships alone. It’s a love that notices.
THE CRUCIAL GIFT OF NOTICING …
We often underestimate the gift of ‘noticing’, but as we can see from that quote above, the gravity of it’s importance is immense. Many problems arise from lack of acknowledgement. Marriages break when spouses don’t notice each others’ efforts. Friendships shatter when people don’t notice each other’s loyalty. Lives are lost when people don’t notice a person’s presence.
Noticing is crucial because people need to know that they matter. People need to feel like more than an inanimate object taking up space; we need to feel like people. Mother Theresa described it well when she said that “the poverty of being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for is the greatest poverty.”
Valentine’s Day is more than just a day where single people question if they’re worth being loved romantically. It’s a day where people question if they’re worth being loved at all. In fact, this type of questioning isn’t exclusive to Valentine’s Day, but happens every day.
THIS VALENTINE’S DAY LET NO ONE GO UNLOVED …
So this Valentine’s Day, let’s give the gift of noticing — let not one person who walks past us on the street doubt for a second that their existence matters. Let’s not underestimate the power of a single smile — a smile that could save a person’s life. This Valentine’s Day, let not one person go on feeling unloved.
Let’s celebrate and acknowledge the abundant love that surrounds us — whether it’s from a significant other, from a family member, from our friends, or from God. Whether you’re single or not, be thankful for the people who have stuck around for all these years, even when you gave them no reason to. And treat yourself kindly for enduring all the highs and lows of life!
Perhaps this gratitude and acknowledgement will come in the form of a letter, an affirmation, a rose, or a smile — but whatever it is, give the gift of noticing. Let’s SPREAD THE LOVE. ❤
If you’ve got any other comments, stories to share, or insights to add, please share them in the comment box below!
Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤
Celine Diaz: Real Talk 