QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde wrote, “You are a wonderful creation. You know more than you think you know, just as you know less than you want to know.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! This week is all about spreading love and kindness, and thus, I thought it was fitting to choose a quote that could help do just that, whether you use it as a positive affirmation for yourself or a different perspective in understanding the people around you.

My message: You are all wonderful. When we get wrapped up in our busy, stressful worlds, we sometimes lose perspective of just how far we’ve come, how much we’ve accomplished or overcome, and just how much we’ve grown (and will, hopefully, continue to grow). Take a minute to bask in the wonder of living, even if it sometimes (a lot of the time) isn’t as easy as we’d like it to be.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, February 13

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, and Staff

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, February 14

Love Data Week 2023: Falling in Love with Data | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to the Villanova Community | Register Here

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, February 15

Love Data Week 2023: Present Real-Time Analytics with ARCGIS Dashboards | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to the Villanova Community | Register Here

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Thursday, February 16

Love Data Week 2023: Introduction to Data Visualization | 12-1 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to the Villanova Community | Register Here

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Friday, February 17

Villanova Gaming Society Meeting | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public

Sunday, February 19

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

As you likely know, Valentine’s Day is this Tuesday, Feb. 14, but here are some other holidays worth celebrating this week:

Photo by Ditto Bowo on Unsplash

Not feeling in the Valentine’s spirit? Today, Feb. 13, is Self-Love Day, a day for you to practice self-love and by extension, self-care. Take some time for yourself today, whether you read a book, do a face-mask, or go for a walk. And, if you want to celebrate the platonic relationships in your life, today is also Galentine’s Day, a day (made popular by Leslie Knope from Parks and Rec), dedicated to celebrating female friendships (although, I think friendships of any gender will suffice).

In addition to Valentine’s Day, International Book Giving Day is also celebrated this Tuesday, Feb. 14. Now, I’m not knocking flowers and chocolate, but what’s more in the spirit of Valentine’s Day than sharing a book with someone? Whether it’s your favorite book, a book that you never got around to reading, or a brand new book (if you’re feeling fancy), gift a book.

Friday, Feb. 17, is Random Acts of Kindness Day. If you’re in the giving mood, try to do something kind for someone else. Whether you pay it forward in a drive-thru, write a positive note for someone struggling, or even holding the door open for someone who needs it, you can make a small but meaningful difference in someone’s life today.

Sunday, Feb. 19, is National Chocolate Mint Day, a day to celebrate this surprisingly somewhat controversial flavor combination. If you’re one of the supporters, celebrate with some mint chocolate treats. The options are plentiful: mint chocolate chip ice cream, York Peppermint Patties, Thin Mints, or some peppermint hot cocoa.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and graduate assistant in Falvey Library.