Put a Little Love in Your Heart

Friday, February 12 was the first day of the 2021 Lunar New Year – the Year of the Ox.  When I was young, I used to pour over the zodiac descriptions on my Chinese restaurant placemat.  I would study the years associated with each animal, determining under which sign each of my family members were born, and reading the descriptions and predictions.  I was born in the year of the dragon, and I was pretty happy to be a dragon.

As we say goodbye to 2020, we say good riddance to the Year of the Rat.  My dad was a rat, and although I miss him, I’m glad he wasn’t here to see the shit-show that was 2020 socially, politically, and everything else.  The 2021 Year of the Ox has a more promising outlook.  According to predictions:  This year is going to be lucky and also perfect to focus on relationships, whether we are talking about friendships or love.  This is great news, because I gotta say, what this world needs now is love, sweet love. 

Earlier this week while I was getting ready for work I received the following text/pictures from my sister.

• 

• 

How wonderful!  What a nice surprise to greet someone on a chilly morning.  I was touched.  My sister confirmed later it was the young lady that lives next door who had left this beautiful message of love and friendship.  At ten years old, I wonder if she can yet fully understand the power and impact of this small gesture and kind words. 

 I love the inspiration.  I love the reminder to pay it forward.  I love the opportunity to brighten someone else’s day, and the hope that buoying another may start a chain reaction.

I have a sweetheart and I’m glad to be able to share this Valentine’s Day with him, but this year I’m thinking bigger.  I’m sending out love and positive energy to the world.  I’m thinking about it this week, praying about it this week, and making a plan to make a difference this week.