Every year, usually around the holidays, I watch one of my favorite movies, “Love Actually,” a sappily sweet yet sometimes heart-wrenching story of eight couples in various stages of their relationships. But, as the years go on, the opening lines of the film still hit home:

“Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion’s starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it’s not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it’s always there — fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends and old friends.”

So, for this coming month, I’d love to shine a light on love and all the different forms it can take: love for one’s family, friends and pets, romantic love and love for oneself. Because, like the movie says, if you look for it, “love is actually all around.”

Whatever comes to mind, I’d love to know. Please make it a six-word story, a personal short story, with a beginning, middle and end.

Make us laugh or cry or at the least feel something. For an example, here is the famous story attributed to, but not proven to be written by, Ernest Hemingway: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” That’s quite the story! Need more examples? “It can’t be. I’m a virgin,” writes Kate Atkinson. “Set sail, great storm, all lost,” says John Banville.

If you want your story to run in the IJ, please:

• Write “Six-word story” in the subject line

• Send one six-word story. Just one

• Include your full name and Marin town in the body of the email, no attachments

• Write your short story in the body of the email, no attachments

• Use proper punctuation and spelling

• Use sentence style in one line

• Do not submit six adjectives — that’s not a story

Please send to lifestyles@marinij.com by Feb. 14 and look for it in the Feb. 25 lifestyles section and online.

Recently, we asked IJ readers to share some advice. Here’s what they had to say.

Take a hike. Nature is healing. — Richard Schneider, San Rafael

Love one another, from George Harrison. — Sam Fleeger, Marin City

Make hanger handles face the wall. — Pam Lunstead, Novato

The work starts now. Midterms coming. — Barbara Rowe, Mill Valley

Nothing left to do but smile. — Melissa Daly, San Rafael

Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise. — Leslie White, Larkspur

The tail doesn’t wag the pony. — Karen Arnold, San Rafael

America First has been defeated before. — Lois Wise, Novato

Each day is the most important. — David Reinstein, San Anselmo

Que sera, sera; what will be? — Mary Ann Gallardo, San Rafael

From Dad: “Nobody likes free advice.” — Diane Cokely, San Anselmo

Burden too heavy? Ask for help. — Lynn Harrison, San Rafael

Hire a trainer and lift weights. — Linda Varonin, Corte Madera

No smoking, it’s bad for lungs. — Penny Kweder, Mill Valley

Always keep your sense of humor. — Patrick Kaye, Novato

Smile — warmest thing to put on. — Kathy Slaught, Larkspur

Follow your inclinations, abilities and desires. — Dr. Hank Simmonds, Kentfield

Never forget to say thank you. — Tom McAfee, Fairfax

Spend inheritance traveling, see the world. — Ardath Steves, Mill Valley

Have the courage to seek help. — Elaine C. Johnson, Greenbrae

“Tomorrow is not promised,” therapist advised. — Susan Storch, Greenbrae

Listen way more than you talk. — James Petray, Novato

My dear grandfather said, “Take typing.” — Ann Woodward, Greenbrae

Life is a two-way street. — Cynthia Samson, Mill Valley

You always have a choice. — Arthur Silberman, San Rafael

Husband’s best advice: just pace yourself. — Phoebe Moyer, Greenbrae

Learn new things! Toss humor around! — Nancy Greenfield, Larkspur

Explore the transformative power of optimism! — Lorraine Peters, San Rafael

Keep left arm straight. Follow through. — Ian Begg, Corte Madera

Listen, love, forget, forgive; start today. — Chrissy von Atzigen Sugrue, Corte Madera

Daddy fixed armwrestling match; never bet! — Lucille Herger, Novato

My advice: Buy low. Sell high. — Mark Hudson, Mill Valley

Start low, climb high, good luck. — Mark Friedeberg, San Anselmo

Mom said, “When in doubt, don’t.” — Helen Hayes, Ross

Life ain’t fair. Deal with it. — Shirley McGrath, Santa Venetia

Listen way more than you talk. — James Petray, Novato

Accept help when offered to you. — Cece Jonsen, Novato

Embrace life by applauding each day. — Sean Daunt, Fairfax

Friendship a fruit that ripens slowly. — Ed Ryken, Novato

Job worth doing? Do it well. — Jim Koger, San Rafael

Stop yearning; enjoy what you have. — Bob Chilvers, Mill ValleyNever too late to be happy. — Laura Call, San Anselmo

Don’t sweat the truly small stuff! — Jonathan London, Novato

Keep opportunities open, always say yes. — Tom Eller, Woodacre

Be kind. Give of self. Love. — Nancy DePue-Allen, Greenbrae

Everything worthwhile in life takes work. — Kristi Beale, San Rafael

Gentlemen are never in a hurry. — Jon Fox, San Rafael

Time is your most valuable resource. — Michael J. Mandelbrot, Novato

Have positive attitude full of gratitude. — Ann Troy, San Anselmo

Take it easy, but take it! — Dave Gilbert, Santa Venetia

My dad: There’s always the unexpected. — Gail Cassee, Mill Valley

Always move forward; don’t step backwards. — Frieda W. Zolan, San Rafael

Keep your eyes on the road. — Kate Brouillet, Novato

Find what you love. Do it. — Rich Panter, Novato

Accelerate lightly after entering a curve. — Suzanne Egan, Mill Valley

It won’t always hurt this bad. — Janice Kohnhorst, San Rafael

Letting people be wrong about you. — Glynda Christian, Novato

Learn the names of your staff. — Norman Shore, Mill Valley

Dad: “Buy house, not new car.” — Larry Bogel, Novato

To thine own self be true. — Newton Harband, San Rafael

Dad told me the Golden Rule. — Diane Forster, Corte Madera

Care deeply, and care with compassion. — Cherstin Nash, Mill Valley

To drive defensively from my father. — Nancy Altman, San Anselmo

At least one doily per household. — Cynthia Sapp, Terra Linda

Treat everyone the same with respect. — Robert B. Schoene, Kentfield

Life’s easier with accountability and gratitude. — Laura Miller, Novato

Follow your heart for life’s truth. — Antoinette DeLucchi, San Rafael

Imagine yourself walking in their shoes. — Bob Simon, Larkspur

Always assume good intentions. Be kind. — Kathie Meier, Greenbrae

Don’t sweat the truly small stuff! — Jonathan London, Novato

“It is later than you think!” — Priscilla Troy, Woodacre

Let go! Forgive everyone, especially yourself. — Gailya Magdalena, Lucas Valley

Marry someone who elicits your best. — Kent Royle, Santa Venetia

Ma says, “This too shall pass.” — Bennett King, Sausalito

Walk softly and carry a broomstick. — Kermit R. Kubitz, Larkspur

She suggested: stand tall, practice compassion. — Billie Forer, San Rafael

Grandpa: “Always vote! It’s your right!” — Arlene Hansen, Novato

Shikan taza just sitting every day. — Trout Black, San Rafael

Grandpa’s advice: firm handshake, eye contact. — Francine Goodman, Mill Valley

Save our wondrous Earth, live simply. — Esther Cherk, Mill Valley

Be present to what you do. — Gail Priestley, Marin City

“Find happiness in every day.” — Mom. — Marcia Naomi Berger, San Rafael

Mad? Act! Designate your IRS spending. — Dart Cherk, Mill Valley

Cheap, fast, high quality. Pick two. — Janice Kuhl, San Rafael

Love thy neighbor. Stop blowing leaves. — Mary Geving, Woodacre

Make a smart woman your wife. — Xavier de la Prade, Petaluma

Angry? Say nothing, and chop wood. — Ann Seramin, San Geronimo

No answer is an answer too. — Christine Heilmann, San Anselmo

Your self-worth is self-inflicted. — Dave Powell, Novato

Open, listen, understand, let it go. — Ron Skellenger, Woodacre

Play good, play hard, have fun! — Janice Burke, Novato

No one can take your education. — Dr. Cheryl Tanasovich, Larkspur

Don’t be afraid to marry him! — Loulie H. Sutro, Kentfield

Use your own creativity, not ChatGPT. — Kendall Johnson, Larkspur

Learn to rest, not give up. — Erik Schmitz, Novato

Steady at the helm; storms pass! — Jane Ferguson, Mill Valley

Save 10 percent of each paycheck. — Ray Nottingham, Mill Valley

Acknowledge your feelings — follow your values. — Lisa Pepper-Satkin, Novato

Let enemies go their own way. — Janet Lee Benjamin, Tiburon

Embrace gratitude, live connected and brave. — Katherine Ware, Kentfield

Ability to forgive, such a gift! — Evelyn Riebe, Mill Valley

Retire? Start Tax Sheltered Annuity, now! — Philip Hicks, San Anselmo

Best to underpromise and to overdeliver. — Renee Lister, Corte Madera

Enjoy each day, they go fast. — Ralph Mason, Larkspur

Best advice, it’s all about attitude. — Judy Ziegler, San Rafael

Be nice on the way up. — Gary Novack, San Rafael

Hiking Whitney: start slow, back off. — Kay Edwards, Novato

Father: “Be just like your mother.” — Gigi Zavagno, Novato

Think. Sit up straight. Pay attention. — Dennis Brouillet, Novato

First, stay in school, get stronger. — Dr. Angelo Capozzi, Tiburon

Exploring near and far with spouse. — Madeline Kellner, Novato

Rocker: set design plant, don’t smoke. — Cassidy Juniors, Los Angeles

Goodness and kindness overshadow all else. — Therese Stawowy, San Rafael

Every big change takes two weeks. — Victoria Worch, Novato

Way. Truth. Life. Jesus. Yeshua. Messiah. — Gigi Bibeault, Terra Linda

Slow down. Take time to think. — Kristi Denton Cohen, Mill Valley

Die young, leave good-looking corpse. — David Curtis, Novato

Please don’t believe everything you think. — Tom Allen, Ross

Plant the seeds, grow the garden. — Sharon Eide, Novato