Is LOVE easy or is LOVE hard?
For me, it’s both! It’s easy to love my family, my husband, my friends, the people I work out with, the people I go to church with, and heavens, don’t forget my dog. These folks are easy to love. They encourage and support me. They are fun and happy and a joy to be around. It doesn’t take any effort at all to love these people. Love flows freely.
But what about the kind of love that is not so easy – the kind of love that we have to work at to share and to show? Maybe it’s a frustrating co-worker or a super negative friend who’s going through a difficult time. Or how about the grumpy woman at the grocery store check out? Or, ugh, the rude person in line at the bank? Or even worse – someone that has hurt or wronged you. These are the most difficult situations and the hardest to show and be LOVE. And these are the ones where LOVE counts the most!
Even though you may have been hurt – you still have a choice. You can feel the pain, but you don’t have to suffer through it. It’s so much better to stay in the present, look towards a marvelous future and not relive the past. Don’t tell the story over and over again. You don’t have to let that pain become your identity and play the role of a victim. When she was about 13, my daughter Lindsey once said to me (after hearing me gripe about something to 3 or 4 people) “Mom, if you tell a story more than 3 times you’re still living it.” OUCH! Talk about out of the mouth of babes! That sentiment has stuck with me though, and I now BELIEVE it. And I live it. And I LOVE it!
When something painful or irritating or scary or just something uncomfortable comes up – feel it and then let it go. Then, go out and find something that beings you true joy. It can be a big event or as simple as 10 minutes of sitting in the sun or listening to music you enjoy. Or reach out to those around you and share a sweet moment or kind thought. You can’t share any joy or love when you’re shut away in a dark room. Find those present moments of joy and you’ll begin to feel a peace in your heart. And before long you will have set the stage for you to begin feeling and showing LOVE again. Start small and begin to feel the love grow.
Here is the simple truth: LOVE brings LOVE. My mother always told me that you get what you give. So this week look for someone who needs some LOVE. Or allow yourself to heal from a past hurt and remind yourself that you are LOVE and begin to let it gently seep out of you and soon you’ll be radiating it like the sun!
Next month is an exciting one – I’ll be talking about showing up strong in every aspect of our life and work. So come along for the ride and prepare to be inspired and empowered to SHOW UP STRONG!
Shining Brightly til then –
