Love is in the air … red hearts dangle in windows, balloons float by flowers, chocolates melt in our mouths. Like other things in our society, it’s a commercialized Hallmark holiday. But I will always think celebrating love is a good thing. Today more than ever, Jackie De Shannon’s song rings true: “What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.”

While the spark of romance is alluring, our spirit is what ignites true Love. In his book Path to Love, Deepak Chopra explains the Vedik view: “We are not observers of reality but creators. Our true nature is pure awareness, pure creativity, pure spirit … When you perceive yourself as spirit, you will not simply feel love – you will be love.”

So how can we be love? Compassion, forgiveness, and kindness all play a role. Gratitude is also key for me. The quote of a “winged heart” perfectly captures my gratitude for many more days of loving, as I celebrate 14 years being a cancer survivor this month.  The first step in my healing process was a positive spirit and grateful heart.   When we approach life from this perspective, we gain an inner peace which radiates outward in love. We can shine our light in many ways – a smile, compliment, helping hand, or hug are small gestures but their effect is powerful. Leo Buscaglia also known as Dr. Love said: “Love is always bestowed as a gift – freely, willingly and without expectation. We don’t love to be loved; we love to love.”