Carmen Bowen-Wright
MY INSPIRATION for today's column came from a loving relative from the parish we affectionately call 'St. Bess'. This handsome gentleman, 72 years
old, was born on St. Valentine's Day, February 14. So, Happy Valentine's
to him and all who will celebrate birthdays on that day.
I am almost sure that younger readers all know the origin of the custom of showing love on Valentine's Day. They learn of it in books, on websites, in personal development classes and so on. The seniors will remember wonderful loving gestures, especially to older men and women whom they respected and admired. That is to say, one's Valentine need not necessarily be a 'romantic
liaison' as we know it today.
A Valentine could be a neighbour, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, your boss, your employees, a person with a disability or yourself. For what is love? And here I quote from the Good Book: "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1st Corinthians 13 verse 13). Need I say more? Yes! St. Valentine's Day is for all of us, so let us give ourselves or someone else a gift of wellness and love.
For example:
Surprise your teacher by using red flowers such as roses or hibiscuses to
form a heart on her desk.
Take a senior, who has been housebound, for a ride in the park, on the north coast or in one of the lovely vegetable patches in St. Bess or Portland.
Make a card for your mother and father. I still have one that my son made when he was only five years old. He was then attending one of Kingston's youngest preparatory school. It was a sacrifice to pay the school fees and ferry him across town each day, but it was worth every cent spent. I say happy, loving Valentine's on behalf of all mothers who have such wonderful sons.
Finally, for those sceptics who say St. Valentine's Day and the customs that have evolved in different countries across the world is just a money-making ploy, I say yes, it is. However, look at the happiness it brings to so many people. Happiness is wellness and good health. Look at the 'multiplier effect' (if I may borrow something from the jargon of The Art of Health Education and Promotion). The nurseries and even sidewalk vendors, for example, sell lots and lots of flowers.
Until week after next, do treat yourself to wellness. I can teach you how!
Dr. Carmen Bowen-Wright is a preventive medicine specialist and wellness practitioner; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
