Love Beyond Valentine’s Day
 | Author:
Ellie West, Certified NLP Coach/Practitioner Of Hypnosis and Timeline Therapy
Inside Inspiration: Certified NLP Coach/Practitioner Of Hypnosis and Timeline Therapy |
Love Beyond Valentine’s Day
Ellie West
Certified NLP Coach/Practitioner of Hypnosis and Timeline Therapy
Valentine’s Day—a time when love takes center stage. Stores begin stocking heart-shaped chocolates and red roses as early as the day after Christmas. People carefully plan romantic gestures, engagements, weddings, and anniversaries, embracing love with open arms. But what happens when the holiday is over? Do we continue to cherish love, or does it fade as quickly as the decorations come down?
Love is not meant to be a one-day affair. It’s a lifelong commitment to nurturing relationships, strengthening bonds, and choosing kindness in daily interactions. Scripture reminds us that our words reveal the condition of our hearts: “You don’t get wormy apples off a healthy tree, nor good apples off a diseased tree. The health of the apple tells the health of the tree. You must begin with your own life-giving lives. It’s who you are, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds.” (Luke 6:45 MSG). If love is truly in our hearts, it should overflow into our words and actions every day—not just on February 14th.
Our communication can either build up or tear down. Words carry weight and can uplift or wound those we care about. Matthew 12:34 reflects this truth: “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” When we are frustrated or hurt, what truly resides in our hearts surfaces—sometimes in ways we regret later. Have you ever found yourself caught in an argument, wondering how it escalated so quickly? Once spoken, words cannot be unsaid, but we can choose to use them wisely.
I recently read about a couple who adopted a simple practice called the “Take it back” clause. It’s a mutual agreement that when one person notices a conversation heading in the wrong direction, they can signal it with the phrase “Take it back.” This creates an opportunity for reflection instead of reaction. The other person can choose to reset the conversation or continue down a path that leads to unnecessary hurt.
Imagine if we all had a “take it back” moment before hurtful words slipped from our lips. If we paused before speaking and chose love and patience instead of sarcasm or frustration, how different would our relationships be? When emotions rise, it signals us to slow down and examine what’s truly at the heart of the conversation. Is it a trigger from past pain? A misunderstanding? A desire to be heard?
As children, we learned the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” However, as adults, we understand that words can cut deep. They have the power to heal or harm, to strengthen or shatter. In moments of anger, we should be mindful of the verbal stones we might be tempted to throw. Instead, let’s choose words that build up, encourage, and express love—not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day.
When I was younger, I remember a mean neighbor girl—someone I didn’t know well—but I remember her name and what she looked like. She scared me; one day, she yelled at me, and I ran away as fast as possible. I carried her words with me for a long time. Looking back, I realize how powerful words can be. Even as a child, I internalized those unkind words, but as I grew, I found healing. Now, I have peace in my heart, recognizing who I am and understanding that there is always a valuable life lesson to learn from those moments. They taught me the importance of carefully choosing my words and offering grace when others fail to do the same.
The breakdown of marriages, relationships, and even workplace environments often stems from poor communication. Unspoken expectations, misinterpreted words, and emotional reactions can quickly build walls instead of bridges. Communication is not only about speaking—it’s also about listening, understanding, and responding gracefully. When we fail to communicate with love and intentionality, we risk damaging the very connections we hold dear.
Love is a daily choice and a language expressed through words and actions. Let’s embody love, communicate with kindness, and carry the spirit of Valentine’s Day into every moment of our lives.
The simplest way to carry love beyond Valentine’s Day is with the smallest gestures. As Mother Teresa wisely said, “Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.”
To connect with Ellie at https://www.facebook.com/coachelliewest or IG: coachelliewest
