“Live. Laugh. Love.” is such a common phrase these days. It’s on mugs, wall art, t-shirts and social media postings but to tell you the truth, I LOVE it! Why? Because far too often we hear about things that cause us to scratch our heads in disbelief and the reality is that hatred seems to be peeking around corners trying to rear its ugly head.
However, I’m convinced that if you and I take a minute to think about what would truly make a difference in the world around us, I believe it’s one word … LOVE. Make no mistake, LOVE is a verb, which means there needs to be some action behind it to see results. I’d like to break that down a little further.
First, LOVE something greater than yourself. I think of the toddler who, between the ages of two and five, realizes a little independence. I recall hearing the common phrase with my own children “I can do it all by myself” and any parent (grandparent, aunt, uncle or godparent) has probably heard the same! But there comes a moment when you need help and you may find a connection to something higher than you to be essential. Yes, I believe in God and I know for sure that my life would not be complete without that belief but I don’t say this to project my views onto you. I will simply say that life will let you know when you’re not the one carrying the load!
Secondly, LOVE yourself. Many of us spend so much time caring for others and we put ourselves last, or worse, we don’t make the time for us at all. Make it a point to nurture yourself and know that it is not selfish to do so. I would argue that it’s selfish NOT TO DO SO! So what does loving yourself look like? Create a space in your home where you can go to be alone and reflect or spend quiet mornings having “me time” before the rest of your household awakes. Exercise, take yourself to dinner or sit still and have a glass of wine. Get the point?
Lastly, LOVE others. In the wake of the world we live in, I’ve been asking myself how each of us can advance the mission of humanity. This simply means: how can we be kinder and more respectful to one another, regardless of where we come from, what we look like and what we believe. Imagine what it would be like if you and I start spreading LOVE in our respective circles and on our social media sites. Sharing kind messages, encouraging others and shutting down negativity when it arises. Sometimes we have to take a different position when we hear or read something that is down-right mean. That is showing LOVE. It’s evident that we need it now more than ever.