Parish Nurse Notes   February  2010  “Love is the greatest refreshment in life”   ---Pablo Picasso        We’ve all given or received a valentine or a valentine’s Day present.  My memories of school day valentines was the pleasurable exchange of cards.  We would cover an old shoe box with construction paper and plenty of cut out hearts.  My parents would purchase a pack of Valentine cards and I’d spend what seemed like hours reading each one and decided who in my class would get each card.  Yes, I know my memories go WAY BACK!  Sometimes we’d make our own cards with colorful hearts and doilies and wait ever so patiently for our recipient to react to their special card.      Life is full of stress, headaches, and worries so what better time to give yourself a valentine?  Being your own friend brings balance, happiness, and great confidence to your life.  It’s one of those things that could start a wave of healing in your world like just smiling for no reason.  Take some time for self-reflection and to pamper your soul.  May I suggest some ways to help you do that:         Turn on your favorite music and just listen.  Music can soothe your soul and relax your nerves.         Seek a change.  Get away from your work and take a walk to collect your thoughts and refocus on the task at hand.         Forgive yourself when you’ve made mistakes and reward yourself when you do well!         Do some simple breathing exercises. When you find yourself stressed or tense, your muscles tighten and you do not breathe as deeply as you normally would.  Sit up straight and breathe in through your nose and exhale through your mouth.  Fill your lungs to their capacity and pause a few seconds before breathing out.  You will feel instant relaxation and it can be done anywhere and just about any time.         Tell those you love just what they mean to you and how they have affected your life.  You can share your heart each day, don’t just wait till February 14th.         Remember to take time to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally.  Your mind and body will thank you for the love you give it.  1 Corinthians 16:14  Do everything in love.             Happy Valentine’s Day,  Phyllis                                                                I Tim. 2: 2 ….that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all Godliness and Holiness.