Principle #5 – See Others Bigger Than They See Themselves
We are surrounded by love, but we may not notice it. How about when your pet wants to cuddle with you or when your child hugs you when you wake him up in the morning? It could be a couple holding hands or a clerk’s smile at the grocery store. It’s everywhere! They are spreading the love! We can spread our love too, with respect and kindness.
February is heart month, so I wanted to write about loving others, but I couldn’t find the right words. I knew I needed a little inspiration. Thinking about love (kind of corny, but it is Valentine’s Day), I went for my daily walk around my neighborhood.
What I noticed were flags and yard signs in my neighbor’s yards. There were “Black Lives Matter”, “In this house, we believe that black lives matter…love is love”, unity with a black and white hand making a heart, the colorful pride flags, and “Thank you, Healthcare Heroes”. I remember when people started displaying these signs last summer, and along the way, more were added. There were probably 3 or 4 on each street in my neighborhood. I, also, proudly display a flag in my yard. I want to show my neighbors that I accept them, and I will treat them with respect and kindness.
Now, I’ve seen these signs every day for the last six months, and while I love the messages, I’ve never thought about the people who put them in their yards. What struck me, is how courageous my neighbors are to display the way they feel about racial equality, loving who we want to love, and also appreciating our front-line heroes. These are people who are openly accepting and loving others. I love that! I think many of us have learned a lot about love and kindness from our struggles of 2020. It gives me hope that we are moving in the right direction to unity and acceptance of everyone.
“Trust your own instincts, go inside, follow your heart. Right from the start. go ahead and stand up for what you believe in. As I’ve learned, that’s the path to happiness.” – Lesley Ann Warren
Our country is in a transition from a president that fractured the unity of our democracy to a compassionate president who is trying to put it back together. I believe we are closer than we think to unity. Let’s think back to when the pandemic first started. We took care of each other.
Covid-19 has been in our lives for a year and probably will be for most of this year. The number of people that have been infected is staggering. Many of us have grown numb to the numbers. But we need to remember how deadly this pandemic is. People are still struggling and need our help. We can donate food, drive a neighbor to get a vaccine. There are many ways to reach out and help. Spread your love and Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand). When our country is down, we have each other’s back. That is loving each other.
“Love one another and help others to rise to the higher levels, simply by pouring out love. Love is infectious and the greatest healing energy.” – Sai Baba
You’ve heard that love is good for the soul…well, it is! There are many health benefits to helping others. It relieves stress and makes you feel happy. It’s the middle of winter, and baby, it’s cold outside. Many people feel isolated and depressed. Give a friend or neighbor a call. I can guarantee you they will appreciate your kindness. Helping people relieves the feelings of loneliness of others and for yourself too. Reach out and share your love and compassion.
We may have different beliefs, but everyone wants to feel loved and respected. It may be hard to love everyone, but we can still be kind. Make a difference in someone’s life and give the gift of love, respect, and kindness. Love really can change the world!
Freedom is possible!
Love,
Deb