i'm sure it's been said in the finer print

I was thinking about how Valentine's Day is a little bit like Thanksgiving, in that they are both holidays with lovely possibilities despite being kind of corrupt.

Thanksgiving is a nice excuse to remind yourself to be appreciative of the good fortune you've had and acknowledge the many (I hope) reasons that being alive and being you is great. And a nice time for thanking the universe for people and things and moments and what they've added to your rich and varied Life Experience.

And whereas Thanksgiving is kind of for internal and collective appreciation, maybe Valentine's Day is a perfect time for personal and individual thanks? You love and appreciate someone, you realize the gift of their friendship or their affection, and it is really important to let them know sometimes! More people should hear that they are cherished and why.

I realize this woo-woo, touchy-feely stuff is sort of far removed from the origins or intents of those holidays. But whatever. You don't need an excuse to celebrate goodness and love, but for people that wouldn't think to otherwise, there are some concrete opportunities. While I don't subscribe to the historically false and/or consumerist aspects of T-giving and V-day, I think it's nice to have built in reminders to give thanks and give love, however you choose to do it.