February is the month when Valentine's Day is celebrated. This often means a dinner out for couples or maybe an exchange of flowers or candy.
But while Valentine's Day is what Hallmark movies and greeting cards are made of, the holiday should really be about how important it is to have loved ones in our lives. For both couples and singles alike, it is necessary to have a support network of both friends and family members. They make the happy times even better and the difficult times easier.
One of my favorite reality shows that was on a few years ago was "Survivorman" with Les Stroud. As part of the show's premise, Les was dropped off in the middle of nowhere and asked to survive for a week with no equipment or supplies, except maybe a pocketknife. Since he did all the filming on his own, he was not even accompanied by a cameraman. His only "friend" was his harmonica, which he played at night to pass the time.
While we are not asked to build our own shelter, hunt for food or start a fire, everyday life brings many obstacles to overcome. While not debilitating or life-threatening, these minor inconveniences make life just a little bit more challenging.
On a typical week, any one of these scenarios can happen: our computer deletes a file, which is irretrievable; packages don't arrive in time, or they are lost in another state or country; we learn that the warranty on the clothes dryer that just gave out expired a month ago; or the takeout food we ordered has spilled in the bag.
For those who travel, flights are canceled or delayed, and luggage is lost. Back at home, the pharmacist is out for lunch when we arrive to have our prescription filled; now we have an hour to kill. The storewide 50% off sale doesn't apply to the one item that we need to buy.
We finally take a vacation day, but we have to spend it at the auto dealership because our check engine light comes on. The internet goes out and we spend our day off stuck in the house waiting for the technician because the only window of time the cable company can give you is between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
And why is that when we are late for an appointment, we get behind the slowest driver on the road and we silently pray in our cars that he or she will turn off at the next intersection? And if they do make a turn, it's usually without using their turn signal.
We are dead tired from a long day of work, but when we get to bed, sleep eludes us. It snows, but not enough to close school or miss work, but just enough to make driving treacherous. The road we use to get to and from everywhere includes a bridge that is now under construction; completion date - a year from now.
However, even though there are bumps in the road, we find solace in our homes and with our friends and family. So this Valentine's Day, thank the people in your life who mean something to you, whether it be a significant other, a relative, a co-worker or a friend. Let them know that you cannot navigate all of life's obstacles without their help. And that because of them, there's no reason to learn how to play the harmonica.
Leave a Review