Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! When I was growing up my mom always had this tradition of giving us a small heart shaped box filled with m&m's. It would be sitting at "our spot" at the kitchen table on Valentine's Day morning. That heart-shaped box of m&m's is what I associate with valentine's day. It is a small tradition, but it means so much. I hope that you have traditions in your family whether related to valentine's day or some other day that remind you of the love that is shared between you. 

Valentine's Day is often a holiday that is dominated by commercials encouraging people to buy special cards, jewelry, flowers or candy, but really those items are not what love is all about.  Love is about caring for the people in your life and putting their needs above your own.  Love is also about respecting one another!  February is Teen Dating Violence awareness month.  I hope that you all know and realize that you deserve to be in healthy and respectful relationships.  It is important to speak up and set healthy boundaries in your relationships and to seek help if that is not happening in your life or the lives of those you care about.  Want to learn more about teen dating violence?  Check out this website - http://www.loveisrespect.org/ - they have tons of great resources and information.

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's day and that you will be reminded by your family members and friends that you are important and that you matter so that today your heart is filled with love and joy!