A Valentine's Day Appeal

Happy Valentine's Day to all the single parents and children who struggle growing up feeling like there is something intrinsically flawed with themselves.

You are not alone, even if you are alone.

We are living in a time that in many ways has surpassed its current ability to exist as a cohesive society. This is because we actively promote, exist, and reaffirm living in instant and compartmentalized reality.

People still feel the same feelings - just as we always have, yet we default to the self preservation of non-involvement - which ironically, is commonly mistaken for non-attachment - which it absolutely is not.

• Non-attachment, is defined as a state in which a person overcomes his or her attachment to desire for things, people or concepts of the world and thus attains a heightened perspective.
• Self Preservation is defined as a natural or instinctive tendency to act so as to preserve one's own existence.
• Non-Involvement is defined as the absence of involvement or emotional attachment.

I can't speak for you, however I am attempting to illustrate the differences between the definitions above, and the disconnection between each fundamental belief system.

The best way to celebrate Valentine's “Day” in 2016 is to participate in our own lives more by being available to the people we care about, without measuring the impact of our actions, or asking for anything in return.

Of all the disappointing things that happen in this world, there are good things that happen too. 

I try to remember that and on most days, I can. 

It may seem 'easier' to be cynical, easier to live complacently, but the effects are also severe, isolating and detrimental to ourselves. The action of living courageously, committing to being the person you want to be is taking a chance on being a better person for yourself and the people in your life. 

Most people I run into are genuinely good people, but even so, we are still imperfect beings. Some people are right sized and make an effort, but oftentimes we are driven by our past experiences, or ego driven by lust, greed, and self-interest.

I would rather be alone, than forced to stay in an empty relationship, or forced to be with most people, but I also understand we need to cut each other some slack. To quote a great saying from a great book, "We live together, or we die separately."

Today is less about the gifts you receive and more about being present in your own life, so you can be present in the lives of others.