WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

Valentine's Day is a silly commercial holiday that causes all of us guilt if we don't partake in celebrating by purchasing gifts and cards for our loved one. But, Real Love is not about material objects. It is not a second hand emotion. It isn't a passing feeling. Rather, it's a deep pervasive feeling that is ever present. Many components comprise a good loving relationship. Of course, there is the physical: how one looks and how you feel about their appearance. You may consider that shallow, but if you aren't attracted to the person, nothing else can follow. Once you've established an attraction, the rest is a bit more complicated. In order to have a lasting and passionate relationship, there are so many elements that must exist. First and foremost, you must have patience! Everyday isn't a party-sometimes you piss each other off. That's where perserverce and endurance come into play! Eventually, you need to set aside your annoyance. You are going to need to listen to your partner. Really listen-Everyone wants to feel seen and to feel heard. Communication is key. You must be open with each other, have no secrets, be fully transparent, and be willing to show your vulnerability. Don't hold back-it only breeds resentment. In conjunction with Communication, we must respect each other. Do you value your partner's opinions? Do you support each other's independence? Do you acknowledge their boundaries? We must be able to compromise and sacrifice for each other. This is especially important when you don't necessarily agree with their stance about an issue. Then, there's the intellectual attraction-just as important as the physical! Do you like his/her mind? Do they keep you on your toes? Do they challenge you? All-so very important. Additionally, commitment and trust are essential. Can you depend on your partner? Do they have your back? Do you always feel safe with him/her? If all of these pieces fit into place, the fun part follows. Remember to show each other affection, be romantic, perform acts of kindness, show compassion, hold hands, have fun and laugh together. This person should be your best friend as well as your lover. One other important note-Each of us must take care of our own health. In order to be present for your partner, it is essential that we are diligent about our own well being. Your partner will be grateful! Wishing all of you a Happy Valentine's Day! HOW DO I LOVE THEE? LET ME COUNT THE WAYS. I LOVE THEE TO THE DEPTH AND BREADTH AND HEIGHT MY SOUL CAN REACH, WHEN FEELING OUT OF SIGHT FOR THE ENDS OFBEING AND IDEAL GRACE. MOST QUIET NEED, BY SUN AND CANDLE LIGHT. I LOVE THEE FREELY, AS MEN STRIVE FOR RIGHT. I LOVE THEE PURELY, AS THEY TURN FROM PRAISE. I LOVE THEE WITH THE PASSION PUT TO USE IN MY OLD GRIEFS, AND WITH MY CHILDHOOD'S FAITH. I LOVE THEE WITH A LOVE I SEEMED TO LOSE WITH MY LOST SAINTS. I LOVE THEE WITH THE BREATH, SMILES, TEARS, OF ALL MY LIFE; AND, IF GOD CHOOSE, I SHALL BUT LOVE THEE BETTER AFTER DEATH. BY ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING PEACE OUT-ONE B

LITTLE MOMENTS

As I reflect on 2025 and welcome 2026, I am contemplating how to make this a year of hope and positivity. For me, the second half of life has a different feel. Little things seem bigger when life gets smaller. Many of us feel tired and weary. We're stuck in a cycle of stress. To counteract the effects of stress, I have realized that taking note of the unexpected small and simple parts of my own life, which are everywhere, are what contribute to the essence of a meaningful and happy life. Especially in this insane time, we need to recognize, acknowledge, and magnify these small moments. Of course the monumental experiences create lifetime memories. Falling in love, the birth of your children, your wedding day, the graduations of loved ones, getting your dream job, and buying your first house are the major events we appreciate and reflect upon with a smile. These events are intense and forever ingrained in our lives. They too, contribute to our joy. But don't let the little moments slip by unnoticed. Savor their value and practice gratitude. "Enjoy the little things for one day you may look back and realize they were big things. The little things? They aren't little." (Jon Kabat-Zinn) *********************************************************************************** SOME OF MY "LITTLE MOMENTS" Coffee with a friend Getting a compliment from a stranger A walk in the reservation with my husband A heartfelt conversation with a friend Flowers for no reason A piece of good news from a close friend Being pain free, healthy, and strong Fitting into my skinny jeans My girlfriend's contagious laughter Attending any rock concert When a friend makes me laugh First cup of coffee of the morning A hug from my daughter A silly phone conversation with my sister Lunch with my niece/dinner with my nephew An interesting book discussion with my book group A freshly made bed The contentment of making my parents smile(when they were alive) The sunrise and sunset from my bedroom window Hearing my favorite song in the grocery store Any conversation with my sister that isn't about HEALTH! A call from my daughter just to have a chat about nothing Spending time with my grandchildren-it can be a minute, hours, or a day-I can't get enough A conversation with a person that confirms my faith in kindness, compassion, and hope My parents holding hands and discussing their active sex life (when they were alive) Seeing a fabulous movie or show Playing ping pong with my grandsons Canasta with the girls (especially the convos we have) Water that miraculously appears every night on my bedstand A well written book Watching a baseball game at Yankee Stadium My daily phone call with my mom(when she was alive) Discussing my latest watched tv shows with my college bestie A good pour A delicious meal at my favorite restaurant When my husband takes my hand to make sure I don't get hit by a car while crossing the street The first snowfall ***************************************************************************************************************** This Year my only resolution is to focus on the small moments as well as the grand ones. These moments give me hope and joy. I want the world to become a better place for my children and grandchildren. I want to believe in a wonderful future for them that I won't be here to see. WISHING EVERYONE A PEACEFUL, HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2026. PEACE OUT-ONE B