February 2026
Romancing You with Kindness!
Listen to the audio version by Dorothy
The above illustration of a heart woven with my favourite flower, the hardy snowdrop - referred to by Alfred Lord Tennyson as fairy firstlings of the year - perfectly represents the month of February when we are reminded of romance, hearts, flowers, and perhaps send or receive Valentine messages from special ones in our lives, traditionally February 14th.
Also, in most provinces the third Monday in February is observed as a regional statutory holiday, generally referred to as Family Day, (February 16, 2026). In Canada the third week of February is officially recognized as Kindness Week, (February 15 - 21, 2026), with Random Acts of Kindness Day celebrated on February 17.
A Random Act of Kindness can be a small gesture, yet make a huge difference, such as: Letting someone go ahead of you in the grocery aisle, smiling at a passer-by, a kind word, or listening patiently to someone. May I suggest that you also take time to romance you with kindness - to be kind to yourself in whatever way is most meaningful, for you. It may include setting aside a time to be still, light a candle, pour a glass of wine, curl up with a favourite book, reflect with gratitude on your life and the special ones who journey with you. It might be on your birthday or another day of your choosing ... but let it be a sacred commitment with yourself, which you honour.
During this first week of February I will have a birthday anniversary, which will play out in ways that fill me with gratitude for the family and friends who have journeyed with me over the years, and for the current technology that, if not in person, will enable us to connect by telephone, mail, e-cards or e-mails. It will likely include favourite treats - with no guilt, and later a candlelight dinner, washed down with a Guinness at room temperature - also my father's preference, who would first set his beer by the hearth. Nearing the end of this Perfect Day - a song written by Carrie Jacobs-Bond in 1909, for which I still have the, now-tattered, sheet music, I may look at some old photos, smile at the memories, while enjoying an Irish Whiskey topped with whipping cream. A few years back on my day, for some whimsical, spur-of-the-moment notion I went down a 'yellow brick road' and idly compiled the number of years I had known each person who had greeted this day, amazed at the total number of years ... a gift beyond words!!!
There is an Old Irish Blessing that, in part, says: "May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home."
Please consider the people on your journey - what you have shared with one another, which need not be only on birthday or anniversary dates. Years back I heard about and adopted the term "NSR", sending greetings for no special reason, other than just to say "hi" ... which is special in itself, for thinking about that person and following through with your contact, may just be the love and light that warmed their day, at that particular time.
So please consider taking time to romance you with kindness, acknowledging with gratitude how special YOU are. The world would be very different had each of us not shown up. Below are some lines that I received many years ago, which 'just happened' to again present themselves - perhaps meant just for you, at this time? Please take them to your heart as you personalize them.
They were sent to me by my late friend, Rev. Carrie Hunter, are attributed to Rev. Dr. Bob Luckin, and appear in his book, Diary of a Mindful Dog, available on Amazon.
If not for you, there would be a place of emptiness in the heart of God.
If not for you, all the good you have done would still need doing.
If not for you, the spark of your ideas would not have ignited a fire in others.
If not for you, the key role you have played in life's drama would remain unfilled.
If not for you, at least one person would not have awakened to their dreams.
If not for you, someone who needed love would not have received it.
If not for you, the song of life would have missed a beat.
If not for you, your gifts would remain un-given.
If not for you, an animal might be homeless, and a garden left unplanted.
You have always made a difference. Who you are is important every day.
YOU are the face, the heart and the Soul of God.
May these words remind you that YOUR life IS a gift and a blessing to the world? I wish you a beautiful day - on Valentine's Day, Family Day, Random Act of Kindness Day, today and every day. Please be kind to yourself, and to others, for kindness is an energy that spreads, radiating outward to embrace others, in more ways than we might ever know.
Until next time when we meet again, blessèd be to you. Namasté!
Dorothy B.
An Innisfree Moment | 2023 - Current Archive | Newsletter Sign-Up
Rev. Dorothy Blandford, Ph.D
Apt. 202 - 1655 Martin Drive
Surrey, BC, V4A 6E1, Canada
604-535-9016
info@innisfreespirit.com