This Valentine’s Day, as you throw chocolates and champagne in your shopping cart (or on your Pinterest board), consider adding an extra item: generosity.
I know it sounds cheesy—of course you know generosity isn’t stocked in supermarkets—but stick with me. The idea of moving Valentine’s Day away from dinner reservations and singles awareness towards a day of generous acts began in 2011 by Sasha Dichter, Scott Case, Ellen McGirt, and our own Katya Andresen.
The premise is simple.
Today, think about how you can be generous and then…just…be generous.
- Write a note to someone you admire.
- Look people in the eye and say, “Thank you.”
- Donate to your favorite cause.
- Call someone you appreciate, and tell them why they’re important to you.
- Buy coffee for the person behind you in line.
- Use the hashtag #SM4SG (social media for social good) to spread good cheer.
- Share your smile.
My generous act? I’ll try a few, but will start with this: Thank you. Thank YOU for reading this post, participating in our community, and inspiring me to be a better person. YOU have made my life sing.
Whether you’re in a relationship, single, or in some sort of ‘it’s complicated’ status, this Valentine’s Day, let's all make a difference with generosity.
