Love and Lent: A Valentine's Ash Wednesday
Love and Lent
Can we just take a moment to appreciate the cosmic comedy of this year's calendar? Yup, this year Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday decided to rendezvous on the very same day. Talk about a divine mashup of love and penance! It's like the universe decided to play matchmaker with our hearts and souls.
Let's dive into this delightful collision, shall we?
It’s February 14th, the famous ‘Love Day.’ The air is buzzing with its usual romantic activities – spa days are being booked, cozy romantic dinners are being planned, teddy bears and roses adorn shop fronts and street stalls, bank accounts are being checked for sufficient ‘treat your partner funds,’ etc. Ohhhh, the love that seems to only last one day! Frankly, the way we display love and affection to our partner should not be relegated to this one day and should be reciprocal, but before I digress (because that’s for another blog post), let me get back to the story at hand. Today is an interesting collision of two important days that highlight a mix of romance and penance/introspection. So, we’ve got a set of lovebirds whispering sweet nothings over candlelit dinners, while others are lining up to receive the mark of ashes on their foreheads, a solemn reminder of mortality and repentance. Quite the juxtaposition, wouldn't you say?
Let’s Talk a Bit About Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection and preparation leading up to Easter Sunday in the Christian calendar. It's a time for fasting, prayer, and penance, symbolized by the application of ashes in the shape of a cross on the forehead, accompanied by the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
Now, before you start fretting about how to navigate this cosmic conundrum, let me reassure you, that there's plenty of magic to be found in this unique convergence. Spend time quietly (with or without your partner or in a group) reflecting on the sacred meaning of Ash Wednesday and how to apply it to your life while expressing love to yourself and others in the way that best suits you (and your pocket) – the act of finding balance in both reflection and romance.
Single Ladies – Please Raise Your Hands
Now, I know we all get choked up and solemn when Valentine’s Day rolls around, but why though? Yes, don’t get me wrong, being partnered and in love is a beautiful, sometimes magical thing, but if you find yourself unhitched right now, do yourself a favor and go buy yourself the darn flowers or that piece of jewelry if you want. And, if you can’t afford any of that right now then here are a few tips for you.
"In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." - Paul McCartney
5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Valentine's Ash Wednesday:
1. Embrace Self-Love: Take this day as an opportunity to shower yourself with love and affection. Treat yourself to a spa day, indulge in your favorite hobbies, or simply spend some quality time alone, basking in your own wonderful company.
2. Spread Kindness: Use the spirit of Valentine's Day to spread love and kindness to those around you. Reach out to friends, family, or even strangers with a kind word, a heartfelt gesture, or a small act of generosity. After all, love knows no boundaries and its lasting effects are timeless.
3. Reflect and Renew: Take advantage of the introspective nature of Ash Wednesday to reflect on your life, your goals, and your aspirations. Use this time to let go of past mistakes, forgive yourself and others, and set intentions for the future. It's never too late for a fresh start.
4. Connect with Community: Whether you're single or in a relationship, seek out opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals in your community. Attend a local event, join a volunteer group, or simply strike up a conversation with a neighbor. You never know where you might find meaningful connections.
5. Celebrate Your Independence: Take pride in your independence and celebrate the freedom to live life on your terms. Dance like nobody's watching, sing like nobody's listening, and, revel in the joy of being exactly who you are. Listen to "Love Myself" by Hailee Steinfeld
Oh, couples, listen to “Between the Sheets,” Isley Brothers 😉
In Conclusion
Remember, whether you're flying solo or dancing cheek to cheek, there's beauty to be found in every moment. So, here's to a Valentine's Ash Wednesday filled with love, laughter, and a sprinkle of divine magic.
READ NEXT: HOW FULL IS YOUR LOVE TANK
With love and sparkle❤️
Deon Cecile
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Welcome to my blog, "Penned Inspiration," an expressive hub where I find joy in sharing my inspirations and stories. I am Deon Cecile, a Jamaican Writer, Blogger, and Aspiring Author. This space is dedicated to stories about Women Over 40, Wellness, Lifestyle, Organizing, Decluttering, and pretty much anything that I find fun and inspiring. I invite you to delve into my content today and discover something that may help/inspire you, or make you smile. I hope you enjoy reading and please feel free to leave a comment or idea below, I'd love to hear from you.
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