14 Days of Love Challenge

February is the month of love, and the 14th is one of the sweetest days of the year. Whether single or attached, we are all encouraged to do a little extra on Valentine’s Day, to show our loved ones how much they mean to us. We buy roses, we cook special dinners; even children go around the classroom giving out their Valentines cards and candies. These intentional acts of love are important to maintain, not only once a year, but daily! It doesn’t have to be over the top, but imagine the kind of culture where everyone practices intentional love, every day!

So our Valentine’s Day challenge to you is this: make every day Valentine’s Day, even in a small way. And let’s start small: Can you commit to 14 days of intentional acts of love? Starting February 1, we will post a new “love challenge” each day. Follow us on Facebook to get the challenge reminders in your News Feed, or check back here tomorrow for your next challenge!

Day 1

Make a Love Jar! Think of a friend. Grab a clean empty jar, a pen, and little pieces of paper. What little moments, quirks or inside jokes from this person helped you to love them? You can gift the jar, or keep it. Sometimes it’s the little memories that matter most.

Day 2

Leave a post-it note at work, school, or home with uplifting messages to brighten a friends’ (and strangers’) day. Tell them how they are significant to you and let them know they are loved in return!

Day 3

Find a new way to connect and care, and expand your capacity to love. Make a friend a basket of their favorite foods, run an errand for them, visit them at work, tell them they look great, or give them a hug! Learn a new love language to show someone you love them in a way you never have before!

Day 4

Invite a neighbor or a friend you haven’t talked to in a while to have dinner with your family. Make new connections with the people you often overlook.

Day 5

An interview is not the only occasion for writing a thank you note. Take a moment to say “thank you” by writing a letter, sending an e-card or putting a gift together for someone. Who comes to mind?

Day 6

To have a goal is to hope, but to plan is to strive; and to try is to grow. It takes effort, but rather than just hoping to find the time to keep in touch with that someone you miss, plan to express your care TODAY. Then, actually do it!

Day 7

Send a hand written letter to someone you admire. Give back by honoring those who inspire you to be your best.

Day 8

Is there someone you find challenging to forgive? Picture them, and yourself, as a small child. What would the heart of a parent want you to feel toward each other? When we choose to view our transgressors as family, we remind ourselves that we are all still children trying our best to make our way through this complex world.

Day 9

Bring flowers to the important women in your life: your mother, daughter, wife, sister. Take a moment to appreciate the special roles they play in your life, and thank them for bringing elements of beauty, grace, humor, spice and a little bit of crazy into your days.

While you’re at it, consider the important men in your life, too! Find a humorous way to show how much you appreciate them. If you’ve got artistic skills, draw a comic of them as a superhero. Or write them a funny letter listing all the reasons why they’re the #1 dad, brother, husband or son.

Day 10

Exercise with a friend or significant other. Bond with each other by keeping fit together! It’s a great way to motivate each other, burn off some extra calories and work towards a common goal.

Day 11

Take a little walk. Not only does a walk burn off some calories but is also a great mental pick me up. The stress of a fast moving world can damage our relationships so why not dedicate some time to slowing things down and finding that inner peace?

Day 12

We tend to think that self-love is selfish, but ultimately our lives are all connected and love is an energy that needs to emanate from within. Have you neglected yourself in some way lately? Take care of your health, give yourself a mini-vacation or treat yourself to a great workout.

Day 13

Listening might seem passive, but it’s an active show of love! In the next conversation you find yourself in, listen to what the other person is saying. Show that you care and seek to understand their point of view.

Day 14

Happy Valentine’s Day! We know it’s sooo first grade, but make a list of 20 people in your close circle of friends and family, and put together little “valentines” of your own, be it treats, flowers, post-it notes or even just a text message. Send out a round of love and care.