Laughter and Luggage

Heartfelt Uplifts and Inspirations

by · February 12, 2025

February is often termed ‘heart month’.  Most likely because of the particular holiday situated dead centre – Valentine’s Day.  However, February can often be a drab or dark month for some.  Although the shortest month on the calendar, it can be a month where some people are often sad, tired, or even blue.  This got me thinking of what perks up the heart? What gives you a certain spark or boost of love in this cold dark month? What are some heartfelt uplifts and inspirations (whether you are a couple or single)?

The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.. Kobe Bryant

I personally love the month of February.  Not only is it a short month, but it’s the month before my birthday.  A month before Spring arrives.  A month filled with love.  Shifting my focus to these positives thoughts does perk up my soul to be more happy and joyful. 

Another thing that boosts my mood are good wholehearted heartfelt movies.   During this chilly time of year, we often find ourselves enjoying cozy movie nights at home.  Venturing out in the evenings can sometimes feel daunting, especially if the temperature dips below zero and darkness settles in by 5 PM.  Sharing a laugh or getting lost in a profound or charming story – together with my spouse – brings so much warmth and joy to our evenings.  

  

With it being Valentine’s Day, I thought it would be fitting to list out some of my favourite Romantic Comedy movies that I can watch and rewatch over and over. Ones that fill the heart with happiness, love, warmth and joy. Ones that are heartfelt uplifts and inspirations.  

My All-Time Favourite Romantic Comedies:

  • You’ve Got Mail
  • When Harry Met Sally
  • Sleepless in Seattle
  • New Year’s Eve
  • Valentine’s Day
  • The Holiday (although a Christmas movie)
  • The Proposal
  • Love Actually (again… a Christmas movie)
  • Notting Hill
  • He’s Just Not That Into You
  • Serendipity
  • Four Weddings and a Funeral
  • Date Night
  • The Notebook
  • The Vow
  • About Time
  • Me Before You
  • Love Rosie
  • Letters to Juliet
  • Tickets to Paradise
  • Definitely Maybe

Ok, I’ve listed quite a few above, but each of these movies either tap into an endearing story, fills my heart with laughter or simply uplifts my mood.  A good movie can fill your soul, uplift any dreariness, and spark a sense of joy that can be contagious to others.  

Aside:  Now, all I want to do is curl up on the couch with a blanket, my adoring husband, and a glass of wine and get immersed in these stories.  

That’s just it!  Each of these movies are stories. Stories about love. Stores about heartache.  Stories about adventure. Stories about true happiness.  

Aren’t these qualities what we are all searching for? 

Aren’t these qualities what we long for?

Aren’t these qualities what we are designed to live our life for?  

While we shouldn’t compare our lives to a movie, we can be inspired from the sense of adventure, love and joy these movies portray.  These characteristics can help us, or even guide us in creating a life full of connection.  In the days or moments where we may need some uplifting or inspiration, finding ways to encourage, uplift or inspire others not only will brighten our own day, but it can also add purpose to our lives – (which you read about the other week in A Pivot – click HERE to read again) – which is such an important and wonderful way to live.  

So, this Valentine’s Day (and every day afterwards), begin to live your life full of adventure and love.  Bring happiness and joy to your spouse daily. Uplift them.  Honour them.  Bring joy to them.  Give grace to them. 

Yes, Valentine’s Day is a day designed for love, but really…. every day should be Valentine’s Day.  Every day should be made a day to show your love fully and completely.  Even if you don’t have a spouse or loved one, there are plenty of ways to show your love fully and completely.

  • Help that elderly person at the store 
  • Stop and chat with your widowed neighbour
  • Watch a friend’s young children so they can have a date night with their spouse
  • Shovel the walkway of your neighbour
  • Call that friend you haven’t talked to in a while
  • Pay for someone’s coffee while in a drive-thru
  • Bring food to a foodbank
  • Volunteer at a school, church, shelter, or hospital

Those are just a few ideas that came to mind and are not limited to just those single folks out there.  They are also great ideas – to uplift and inspire – as a couple, or with friends.  

So, happy Valentine’s Day to all of you.  With all my heart and through these simple black and white words on your screen, I want you to know how much I deeply appreciate and love you.  

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