Valentines Day for singles: Surviving romantic holidays when you're unattached (by choice or otherwise)

Oct. 17 is Sweetest Day. Celebrating romantic love is all woohoo and rainbow sprinkles if you're in a happy relationship, but it can be boohoo and bitter almonds if you're not. So maybe think Sweetest Day, meh: just another excuse for stores to push schmaltzy products, like on Valentine's Day. But even the most hardcore bachelors and bachelorettes might feel a bit verklempt on romantic holidays. But you shouldn't. Here's what Sweetest Day for singles could look like. Surviving romantic holidays when you're unattached is about taking care of yourself.  Sweetest Day for singles: Surviving romantic holidays when you're unattached | Examiner.com

Lenten sacrifice, almsgiving, prayer and fasting: Live simply and at peace

 The Catholic penitential season of Lent starts early in 2016, on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10. Through acts of prayer, fasting, meditation, a Catholic seeks to imitate Christ's suffering and passion. Those acts give back, too, in physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. They're the deepest Christian expression, but they aren't exclusively Christian. Most major religions have similar elements. No human could really imitate the divine. But it shouldn't prevent trying. Here's how a Catholic family can observe Lenten sacrifice from a world religions perspective.  Lenten sacrifice, almsgiving, prayer and fasting: Live simply and at peace | Examiner.com