I’m convinced only just barely that I am (save Mrs. C. Limburg) the only grown woman consistently without a significant other (which she is not) who LOVES Valentine’s Day!

Why? It’s color themed in the most potent and powerful shades of red, and it’s a good excuse to show love and appreciation for those in your life. And that’s the only justification I need thank you!

Vicky and I take our obligation to live well very seriously, and living well means inviting and encouraging that thing that is cried over, dreamed about, brings joy and makes some act wild into our lives. LOVE!

Longing for love you say? Let’s get practical!

First - Practice self-love! Get moving! Yeah it’s chilly, yes, sigh, the bed is cozy but getting moving first thing in the morning especially doing a favorite exercise routine will bring a rosy attractive glow to your cheeks. I was privileged to have private Pilates instruction this morning which was my heart centered deep breath (literally) of self-love this Valentines morning.

Second – MORE self-love! Dress up! It’s so easy and feels so dashed good! I’m always in (subtle) valentine’s themed clothing for the big day. I opted for the loveliest, coziest black velvet kimono styled smoking jacket with baby pink, white and blue embroidery - on sale here. I’ve accessorized with a lovely birthday gift from Vicky! A luxe deep red suede Kate Spade wristlet. You can find a similar one here.

Third – Attitude of gratitude! There are truly few people in this world who can validly say they are unloved and no one loves them. I know exactly none of these people. Children, siblings, parents, dearest of friends. Thank the universe for those people in your life who do love you. Thank your lucky stars you have them!

Fourth – Attract love! WE ALL want to be somebody’s somebody. Try a law of attraction exercise and visualize the love you want and deserve so powerfully you can see it and feel it, then act as if you have it! The feelings of receiving love even if you’re not currently receiving are powerful enough to put a guaranteed smile on your face!

Fifth - Give love! Just because you’re not receiving the love you desire doesn’t mean that you can’t be generous and loving to others. Each year I send a box of valentine’s themed cupcakes to some former work colleagues in the Netherlands. Give love! You’d be surprised at the love you feel as a result.

Sixth – Fortify yourself with love! Make yourself comforting food while listening to the Live Well Valentines playlist (check it out below). I suggest ricotta gnocchi which is delicious, super easy and you’ll impress the hell out yo self, dressed with a red sauce of your choosing (maintain the color theme is important!)

Lastly, Don’t be downcast! Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be a commercialized reminder of an abysmal romantic love life. It’s not (yet another opportunity) for you to die a death by comparison. Valentines is a day with an emphasized opportunity for you to live and love well!

“And if you wanted to drown, you could,

But you don’t, because finally, after all

this struggle and all these years,

you don’t want to anymore.

You’ve simply had enough of drowning

and you want to live, and you want to love.

And you’ll walk across any territory,

and any darkness, however fluid,

and however dangerous to take the one

hand and the one life, you know belongs in yours.

-David Whyte (The True Love)

Our Valentine’s playlist - submitted by our Live Well friends!

• Somewhere Only We Know - Lily Allen

• Hold On! - BB King, Eric Clapton

• I never loved a man the way I loved you - Aretha Franklin

• She will be loved - Maroon 5

• I’d rather be sorry - Kris Kristopherson/Rita Coolidge

• When the Hurt is Over - Mighty Sam McClain

• Gonna love me - Teyana Taylor

• Simple Things (remix) – Miguel

• Littlest Things - Lilly Allen

• Message to my Girl - Split Enz

• Love Bites (So Do I) – Halestorm

• I'm Still Standing - Taron Egerton

• The Story - Brandi Carlile

• Baby come back – Player

• Always in Between - Jess Glynne

• Dancing In The Moonlight - Jubel feat. NEIMY

• A Thousand Years - Christina Perri

• You’re so Vain - Carley Simon

• Wicked Game - Live at Killkenny Arts Festival, Ireland/2011 - James Vincent McMorrow

• Sterre Brand - Janie Bay & Jan Blouklass

• Don’t Dream it’s Over - Crowded House