Happy Friday, {{ first_name | friend }}!
Love is in the air this week, and it’s worth celebrating!
Years ago, I decided that Valentine’s should not just be for couples. In fact, it’s not the best day for many couples I know—and Ed and I have had some not-so-fun ones in the past. So now, I think of it as a day to GIVE love. I try to intentionally show love to everyone on this day—my kids, my girlfriends, and of course my husband, but especially those who may not be feeling it on this day.
Love and Laughter
When we give love, we know that the trifecta of powerful neurochemicals is released—oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine—all of which boost mood and make us feel more relaxed, connected, and happy. When we laugh or share an intimate moment, we also release endorphins, which help with both emotional and physical pain.
Laughter is so important, and for that reason I joined comedian Tim Washer once again for an Instagram Live to talk about mistakes we make on Valentine’s Day and in love. Tim shared what he learned after going through a divorce, and I shared some of my own mistakes in our marriage, which is approaching 23 years. Find the replay here.
Love and Loss
If you caught my segment on TODAY yesterday, I joined the 3rd hour to talk about the qualities essential to LOVE in ALL relationships. As you know, the TODAY family is going through a hard time as they process the abduction of Nancy Guthrie. Unexpectedly, Craig asked me a question about coping with this loss. I often pray for these unexpected moments—that when they appear, God would be present in them. I believe He was. I shared with them a phrase I think of often that I learned from several of the parents from Sandy Hook who lost children in 2012. It was a beautiful moment. Watch that moment here (and you can watch the full segment here).
Is Love Enough for a Relationship to Survive? It Depends on This 1 Thing, Therapist Says
If you’re wondering whether “love is enough” to sustain a relationship, I explore the qualities essential for long-term love in this week’s edition of my Is This Normal? column at today.com.
I really enjoyed this tea. It contains ashwagandha, which is known for its calming properties, and I actually did feel calmer after drinking it.
If this weekend is a hard one for you, look for opportunities to share love with someone who might need it, someone going through grief or loss, divorce, or experiencing a tough time in their own relationship or parenting situation. You will see, like I did years ago, that making this a day to give love can be far more powerful than simply receiving it.
Sending you much love today and always,
If this letter brought you a little more perspective and joy today, please share it with someone you care about. And if this email was shared with you, please subscribe! Each month I share a dose of calm, connection, and clarity rooted in science.
Why 3 Good Things?
Wellness isn’t one big thing—it’s three good things, or two good things, or five. It’s noticing the gifts of the life we have.
If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ve probably heard me talk about “3 Good Things.” It’s the question I often ask my kids and one of my favorite gratitude practices.
Research shows that identifying three good things each day can actually rewire your brain from negativity to optimism in just 30 days. Follow along for my 3GT each month! And send me yours! I want to hear from you.
