Principle #5 – See People (and you) Bigger Than They See Themselves
Since this is heart month, let’s talk about love. I know…corny, right?
You’ve heard the saying love makes the world go around. Love surrounds us every day. We all need to be loved or to give love. And we can’t forget to love ourselves.
The need to be loved is a basic instinct. Everyone wants to feel connected and have a sense of belonging. Human connection starts when we are in the womb and is developed further when we are bonding with our parents after birth. But it doesn’t stop there. Love is an emotional connection that we need to live a happy life.
How many times have you said, “I need a hug” when you’ve had a bad day? We feel secure and hopeful that everything is going to be ok after we’ve been hugged.
Everyone has a person in their life that gives them a feeling of security, inspiration, and love. It could be a spouse, parent, sister or special friend. Or it could be someone that has influenced your life in some way. Check out this inspirational TED talk featuring ex-football player, Billy Ward, How to Love and Be Loved. He talks about his belief that our purpose on this Earth is to love and be loved. And that love is a light that illuminates all around us. Who is the special someone that illuminates a light in your life?
My husband is my light. He sees me as I am and motivates me to be my best. He knows when I need a hug or when I need my space. He’s there to celebrate the great things and encourages me through the tough times. My daughters and grandson are my inspirational light. They love unconditionally with no strings attached. They are a wonder to watch and seeing life through their eyes brings happiness into my life as nothing else can.
Giving love and care to others can be just as important as the need to be loved. Seeing the good in people and sharing your heart through a smile, a touch, or a small gesture can give someone happiness. Give them a hug if it’s appropriate. Giving hugs feeds your heart as well as theirs. Did you know that giving hugs is a “thing”? Seriously! People across the world are starting hugging campaigns. Check it out at Free Hugs Campaign. My local county sheriff visited inmates in jail and passed out hugs. He said he wanted them to feel loved even if they did something wrong. How cool is that?
I believe that loving yourself is the most important form of love. It can also be the hardest to do. We typically put ourselves on the back burner and put other’s needs before our own. Maybe we feel selfish about taking “me” time. Whatever the reason may be, when we have a little self-care and make ourselves a priority, then we can handle anything that life throws our way. Having self-compassion helps us to forgive our imperfections and accept who we really are.
“There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance. We need to learn to love ourselves first, in all our glory and our imperfections. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others or our potential to create. Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.” – John Lennon
So, like the Beatle’s song, All You Need Is Love, share your I love you’s and hugs and don’t forget to ask for a hug when you need it.
Freedom is possible!
Love,
Deb