Happy Valentine’s Day

I love hearts, not only on Valentine’s Day but every day with the focus on heartfelt thoughts and deeds. They just seem to appear… heart thumb tacks holding the Chamber’s mission, a heart pin with the stars and stripes on the bulletin board, heart frames with my beautiful grandchildren, heart sticky notes with Chamber reminders, a heart letter organizer with photos of Chamber activities, heart paper clips, a heart paperweight to keep the folders of our many activities intact and even a heart wreath welcoming staff, members and guests.

A few years ago, BeBe, one of my brilliant sisters, forwarded some thoughts written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, from Cleveland, Ohio. In a heartbeat you, too, will be moved to think about the message from the lessons she wrote.

Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

When in doubt, just take the next small step.

Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

Pay off your credit cards every month.

You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

Everything can change in the blink of an eye.

Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

Over prepare, then go with the flow.

Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

No one is in charge of your happiness but you. Forgive everyone everything. What other people think of you is none of your business.

Time heals everything. Give time time.

Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

Believe in miracles. They do happen.

Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it.

It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

Your children and grandchildren get only one childhood.

All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

Make peace with your past so it won’t mess up the present.

Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

Envy is a waste of time. You already have all that you need.

No matter how you feel, get up and show up.

Frame every so-called disaster with these words, “In five years, will this matter?”

Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift. The best is yet to be… Today, send a card, make a phone call, drop off a canned good, kiss a loved one, hug your children and grandchildren, deliver some sweets to your colleagues and do it with heart. To all who are working with us to… our heartfelt thanks.

Happy Valentine’s Day!