As a student nurse years ago, I attended an AA meeting as part of a school requirement and heard someone say, "Hi, I'm so and so and I'm a drunk and a junkie."
I thought that was rather direct and honest since the usual phrase is "Hi, I'm so and so and I'm an alcoholic."

If there were a 12 step program for me, my introduction would be, "Hi, I'm Heidi, and when it comes to chocolate, I can't eat just one, so don't give me any for Valentine's Day!

Seriously, as I do go to a weight loss program each week, the leader at last week's meeting offered up some great advice...."Tell your family what you want for Valentine's Day, because no one can read your mind!"

I'm going to do better than that. I'm going to tell all of my readers what I want for Valentine's Day. First of all, as mentioned above, I can't do chocolate. I can gain two pounds just smelling it. Eat just one? You've got to be kidding! I shower daily, so cologne is not a necessity. I like roses, but we all know the price of roses triples around Valentine's Day, and there are far better ways to spend that money...I will tell you a few.

What I really want for Valentine's Day is for people in the world to stop and take a moment of silence similar to how we do on Veteran's Day. Instead of thinking about veterans, however, I'd like you to think about the children of the world. Children who have no homes. Children who have no clothes, or shoes, or food. Children who live in poverty and who can't go to school because public education in their country isn't free. Children who live in abusive situations. Children who are HIV+ through no fault of their own. The list is very sadly, endless.

I want you to think about how blessed you are in your life, and then "pay it forward". Share the wealth and material blessings you have with those who have so little. I want readers to think about someone they love and how they can best show that love on Valentine's Day. I would suggest giving a gift in their name in remembrance of the hurting children of the world.

It's difficult to know where to give since the needs are so great, but I would like to share a few of my favorite charities that I feel are worthy of your dollars.

Continued...