Posts Tagged ‘love’

How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways…

How do I love ME?  Oh, sometimes I forget all about that!

So much love going around these days. 

People performing random acts of kindness.  Amazing!

People opening their hearts and their wallets to others.  Lovely!

Goodwill toward all.  Hallelujah!  It certainly is a time to rejoice.

So, here’s my invitation to you: 

When you think of all the love and joy and goodness that you are sharing on this planet right now, think of including yourself, too.  Please.

How can you give some love back to yourself during this very beautiful time of year?

What would you love to have right now?

What would you love to do right now?

Who would you like to be with right now?

Do you want some quiet time for reflection and peaceful solitude?

Or are you craving a girls’ night out for some holiday cheer?

Do you want a hug and a warm snuggly break with a loved one?  Put that idea out there and make that happen for yourself.  Make a request of love and warmth and get your needs met.

What DO you want?  And how can you give that to yourself? 

You can make that happen.  You can give back some love to yourself.  You deserve it.  You are worth it!

Here’s to all the love going around this season ~ and to sending some back to yourself.

Much love,

Margie

     

The third key to valuing our relationships is to question. 

As in “ask, don’t tell.”  You read that right.  ASK.  Don’t tell. 

Ask what they mean when they’re talking. 

Ask for their help or cooperation instead of telling them what to do. 

Ask questions.  Kindly, gently, lovingly.

Ask how they’re feeling. 

Ask what they need. 

Ask what you can do for them today.

Here’s another twist on the theme of questioning:

Ask yourself what’s working in this relationship and what’s not working so well. 

Ask yourself what you need from the relationship and then ask for it.  Ask yourself what it is you would like the other person to do for you.  Get clear and then ask for it with love and openness.

Why spend energy feeling disappointed that we don’t get what we want and/or need from those we’re in relationship with?  Why not try asking directly instead of telling them (later?) how they aren’t measuring up? 

What questions do YOU ask or plan to ask in your relationships?  I’d love to hear from you!

~Margie

           

If the first key to valuing our relationships is respect and consideration, then the second key is appreciation.

Appreciation.

Who doesn’t like to be appreciated? 

And yet, despite our desire to feel appreciated for our efforts and for just being ourselves, we can be lax about demonstrating our appreciation for our loved ones. 

Yep, I’m as guilty as the next person of taking for granted many of the things I could be expressing appreciation for. 

I want my loved ones to know that I appreciate them for being themselves.  I appreciate them for being in my life.  I appreciate them. Period. 

So, where can I begin this holiday season to show my loved ones I appreciate them? 

How about writing a short note of appreciation for something very specific about your loved one?  You could do something for them that they normally do for YOU – in other words, surprise them with the special treatment they give you.  Or you can do a favor for them before they ask.  You could demonstrate your appreciation by spending time with them, doing something they like to do.  The point is to cause them to feel special for being who they are and because you value them in your life.

Oh, and of course, why not say . . .

Thank You! I appreciate you just the way you are.

How do YOU demonstrate appreciation in your relationships?  I’d love to hear from you!

~Margie