By Daneen James The subject of countless books, movies and probably even more songs – we all need and want to feel – LOVE. But what if the experience of love is just as much (if not, more) about what we do as how we feel? Could it be that it’s the action of being loving, regardless of how we feel, that creates the experience of love? Love in action Consider this story I recently read across about love. A man eagerly walked through the airport. It was clear he was looking for someone, as his family approached, he smiled, dropped his luggage and prepared to greet them. As they got close enough to touch, he reached for his son, looked in his eyes and said “I missed you so much, it’s good to see you, son! The boy smiled and they exchanged a warm hug. Next, he cupped the face of his young daughter, “Aren’t you quite the young lady, so beautiful”, he said. Then they too exchanged the most tender hug. The young girl clearly content as she laid in her dad’s arms. Finally, he looked at his wife and said, “I’ve saved the best for last” and they shared the most passionate kiss, beaming like newlyweds afterwards. Suddenly, a woman who’d been standing near the family and stunned by the depth and genuineness of their exchange blurted out, “Wow, I hope my family is that loving and my marriage is that passionate.” The man looked straight into her eyes and said simply, “Don’t hope, friend, decide! Love on purpose We often think love is something that just happens. It's out of our control. It's either there or it's not. We either feel it or we don't. Regardless of type, cultivating positive relationships requires intention - an active decision to foster connection. Our relationships often lack the quality we desire, because we've been unwillingly to devote the effort required. It’s the daily decisions that determine the depth and quality of love we experience. Love elevates everything in its path. It disarms, softens and opens us. The way we feel after receiving a compliment or much-needed hug. The way our mood changes when we're appreciative instead of critical. The sense of fulfillment that rises up inside us after helping someone in need or offering a kind word. That’s no coincidence, it’s by design. It’s through the process of giving and receiving love that we reach our potential as people. The more we extend ourselves in love, the freer we become in every aspect of our lives. We become less rigid and more likely to recognize and embrace opportunities in all forms. People don’t always make it easy, but it’s the decision to be loving - even when it’s hard, inconvenient and our emotions fluctuate that cause the “feeling” of love to flourish. Daily decisions to extend ourselves(even though we’re tired); make the time(when it’s easier not to) and endure awkward moments, all in an effort to connect, create an environment love can’t resist. Can you stand more love in your life? Give it a try
Every part of our life has a relationship of some kind. Apply some of these strategies. I think you'll be surprised by what happens... Get more on this and other topics: Book Daneen as a speaker: https://www.daneenjames.com/contact.html Connect and receive updates about Daneen's upcoming book: https://www.daneenjames.com/contact.html Celebrate the love in your life with a card: https://www.daneenjames.com/shop.html
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By Daneen James What makes gratitude such a big deal?
Take a minute, think about what happened today or this week that made you smile. Nothing is too small. Someone held the door for you, you found a great parking space, finished a project right on time or got an encouraging text/email when needed most. Now, be honest, don't you feel better? That's the benefit of gratitude. Appreciation generates joy and renews your perspective. Regularly recognizing the good in your life, big and small, improves your health, increases productivity and creates better relationships. Gratitude creates an energy people can't resist. Think about the people you most enjoy spending time with. What attracts you to them? They're probably encouraging and raise your energy level instead of depleting it. When you look for the best in others, they feel it and can’t help but want to be around you! Praising team members, encouraging colleagues and affirming clients foster thriving professional relationships. Genuinely celebrating the contributions of others promotes creativity and empowers people to make better decisions and feel better about who they are. Our personal and intimate relationships thrive when those closest to us feel valued. Write a letter or leave a note to share with your spouse, family or friends, why they're special to you, notice their response. From the inside out You'll be hard pressed to find an area of life that isn't improved by gratitude. Our physical body is no exception. Lower blood pressure, better quality sleep, decreased incidence of depression and addiction are but a few of the health benefits linked to grateful living. As I was driving the other day, I noticed a sign that read "gratitude turns what you have into enough." Gratitude prevents you from being so focused on the next, that you neglect the now. Being grateful doesn't mean you want less. It just means that you don't allow what you want, to blind you to what you have. Appreciating what you have instead of fixating on what you believe is missing, increases spiritual awareness. You feel better about yourself and your life, so you're less inclined toward jealousy and envy. The net result is an overall sense of contentment and well being that helps you better enjoy life. What do you have to lose? The next time you find yourself being critical or feeling irritable, find a reason to be grateful. Take a few minutes each day to highlight the good in your life; phrases like: I'm grateful for, I appreciate, so glad that, can help get you started. Notice how it changes the way you feel. Make a practice of grateful living and see how it changes your life! Get more on this and other topics: Book Daneen as a speaker: https://www.daneenjames.com/contact.html Sign up for my newslettter and get updates: https://www.daneenjames.com/contact.html Express your gratitude with a card: https://www.daneenjames.com/shop.html |
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