Happy Heart Day (Early)

I celebrate Valentine's Day much like any holiday. I start to get excited about it long before I can ever really make any substantial preparations for it. I think about those in my life that I plan to dazzle with something special or shower with the many thoughtful ruminations of how much they mean to me evokes. Valentine's Day is one of my favorites of favorites! Commercialism, yes. Hallmark Holiday... you betcha. I won't deny that. But how can I resist a holiday all about the core of my being, LOVE. I don't go buy gifts because of the shiny ads or the well-thought out end-cap displays at Walmart. I don't "buy" gifts 1/3 of the time anyway. I use it as a special day to create something unique in the hearts of those around me. The challenge each year is finding new ways to do so. Challenge accepted!

Valentine's Day isn't exclusively about my significant other.  This year, he's my fiance! ( I still love the title upgrade!)  Next year, he'll be my husband. (wahoo!) My children, my friends and my family all reside in my heart and are shown the love!

I read this interesting article on CNN the other day about the science of love.  When you break down the sentimental attachments we have to our ideas of love and what our body's pure chemistry says about the topic an entire new view is revealed. Particularly the connection between heart happiness and health struck a chord with me.

 Anyone who knows me knows my previous health concerns and have been witness to the direct relation of a happy heart and a healthy heart for me. Those of you who have not been around me for several years, I am subject to VT (Ventricular Tachycardia), my heart has been put through the ringer.. stopped... started... countless monitors and two surgeries... I won't bash on my previous relationships because I have most certainly moved on and have learned and ventured into a much happier and healthier environment and my steady heart is a testament to that love. Occasionally it will still act up but I went from seriously having to consider a defibrillator implanted around my heart and medicine 3 times a day to maybe having the need to take it once a month or every other month!! HUGE improvements! This article talked about a study that was done where a group learned ways to increase the moments of love they felt daily  and it actually showed through those studies that we improve the function of a specific nerve that is a key conduit the connects your brain to your heart. Love is actually a nutrient to your health! I'm living proof of that and so very happy.

So, to all those who made New Years Resolutions to be healthier... Love more. Take it all in. The love from your children and your friends as well as the unique love of that one individual that feeds your soul. Nurture them all year through.  Pay extra special attention to the drawing of  "Our family" that is on your refrigerator... the little demands  for another hug or another kiss.  Let the wisdom of your parents shine through your heart and don't ever let a day go by without telling the love of your life that they are the reason your heart beats so strong.