Besides the most obvious day of Valentines, February actually encompasses many celebrations. Today for example is Groundhog Day, and good news greeted us this morning as Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, thus signaling an early Spring Season. (Phil is only right 39% of the time)

So, what are the holidays during February? First of all, this month commemorates the birthday of two very important individuals in the history of The United States. Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday is on the 12th, and George Washington’s Birthday is on the 22nd.

It is also Black History Month, International Friendship Month, and responsible pet owner’s month. Indeed, as Valentine’s Day draws near, love fills the air, and inspiration comes at us in the form of a special someone we love so dearly.

I like the fact that February is also International Friendship Month, no doubt there will be individuals on the 14th without a date, or maybe their loved one is far away in another part of the world… You don’t have to be in a relationship to enjoy the love that this month is known for. Celebrate with friends, go out to a movie, go to your favorite restaurant, and just share a special moment.

Hope everyone has a great February. And let’s go out and be inspired even more…. let’s close with an important individual in Black History. Martin Luther King Jr.

The good neighbor looks beyond the external accidents and discerns those inner qualities that make all men human and, therefore, brothers. — 1963

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant. — Martin Luther King Jr., Accepting Nobel Peace Prize, Dec. 10, 1964

Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time; the need for mankind to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Mankind must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love. — December 11, 1964