What's Love Got to Do With It?

I was so excited about this issue being all about self-care. I thought to myself what better topic to discuss in this issue than “Love?” After all, is it not the very thing that we all strive to attain both internally and externally in life. Before writing this article I thought to myself: do a little research and enlighten yourself with the meaning of the word “LOVE”. I started with the dictionary definition.

I am not going to lie. I was a little disappointed at how flat it felt. When you read the clinical meaning of such an incredibly powerful word you soon realize it's not so much the meaning of it, but more to the point it is the very essence of love that matters. They tried to describe love by using examples of how we love and the correct way to use it in a sentence. But, it certainly did not capture the essence of what I know this thing called love to be.

I guess my expectations of love via the dictionary’s meaning are a disappointment, not unlike my experiences with actual love, from time to time in my life. Most of us have experienced heartbreak, or disappointment when in love. Now don't get me wrong I have also experienced powerful surges of love and what it means to be loved. But I guess the romantic in me expected a more poetic explanation than what I had read. Or perhaps it is the empath in me that is unsatisfied by the lack of depth given. Truth be told, the definitions of words connected to love do not matter.

Because when it comes to love, it is the very actions we take towards self, or others in love that are the secret that creates the magic. These actions help us understand the very essence of the meaning of love and its effect on us or others. Furthermore, to appreciate this essence one must start by loving themselves. Because without self-love how can you possibly understand what it is you desire from others? Let alone understand if others are loving you the way you desire them to love you. On my own journey, I have discovered that “Self-Love” is the key to success in all relationships. So, if like me you have struggled from time to time in the “Love department” it might just be time to take a deep dive into just how much love are you giving to yourself. Let’s look at ways in which we can start a new relationship of love with ourselves.

Self Awareness - Start by always speaking your truth to yourself and with others. Listen to your inner voice. When you tell yourself to start something, start it. And, when you hear yourself saying stop something, simply just stop it. For every negative thought you share with yourself, override it with two positive thoughts. Be conscious of your presence around others. Are you positively or negatively impacting those around you? Smile and laugh more.

Acceptance and Forgiveness - Accepting others for who they are and not who you want them to be. Acceptance of who you are and who you desire to become. Forgiveness of those who have upset, angered, or disrespected you is the key to your inner happiness. It was the Buddha who said carrying around anger, resentment, or pain of any kind toward another is the equivalent of carrying around a hot coal in your hand expecting them to get burned and not you. Release and let go of all these toxic energies so that you can find inner peace again.

What do you love about you? (make a list) - This is going to be harder than it looks. Creating a list of what makes you love yourself can feel like you're being boastful, but do it anyway, That is the point. Then hang that list on your mirror where you get ready every day to remind yourself just how amazing & cool you are as a person. Protect, Move, and Nourish Your Body Temple - You must protect the very vessel that carries your soul around. Without it, you cease to be. Protect it from harmful substances, fumes, or environments. Get up and move those muscles and bones to ensure they keep functioning properly.

Feed your temple with the healthiest, and most balanced diet possible. Stay hydrated! Be in Gratitude (start journaling) - The best form of releasing inner pain or personal hang-ups is to discuss them. Sadly not everyone has a trusted friend they can share stuff with. And a lot of the time we don't want advice we just want to release the message. This is why journaling is so powerful. Go out today and buy a journal and make one entry a day about the things that upset you throughout the day, and more importantly, the things that brought you joy.

Check in with yourself in a few weeks to see how much your emotions have been regulated. Listen to positive and uplifting podcasts, read uplifting books, and listen to powerful music - The power of positivity should not be overlooked when on a self-love journey. If you find someone who is uplifting, listen to them. If you love reading, gravitate toward authors who teach rather than tell. One of the most powerful mood changers in the world is music, choosing positive upbeat happy lyrics or melodies over destructive anger anger-invoking lyrics can be life-changing. Know what you want out of life, Dream it to Live it - Ask the all-important question to yourself “What Do I Want”? Go big or go home here.

This is a no-holds-barred type of question to self. The soul knows your potential; your only job is to discover it for yourself, and then act on it. If you can dream it, you can live it. But if you don’t dream it, who will tell your soul how to live it? This is one of the most powerful tasks in your self-love journey. So, please do not take this one lightly. Be the example you see in others in the world - We all aspire to be more like someone or something greater than we currently are. What if you started to live the life of those who you look up to? Imagine what changes you would have to make to yourself, the person, your personality, your presence, and your energy.

Then simply make them. Showing up for yourself is the key to being the example you wish to follow. It's time you become the mentor for others to follow. Especially the littles in the world who look up to the grown-ups around them for inspiration. Hopefully, this list will help you either start or inspire you more while on your self-love quest. My last bit of advice to you is, “This is a journey with no destination”. If you can embark on your life with that in mind, you just never know what you will find around the next corner. It is those who settle into their life who can sometimes find it boring or overwhelming. Becoming more open to change and possibility always offers you the opportunity to keep moving forward. Next time you ask yourself “What’s love got to do with it” you can answer “everything”.

Stay shiny my friend

Liz Throp

Liz is a psychic medium with over 30 years of experience, featured on Canadian TV and radio. She’s a certified Life Coach, co-founder of multiple platforms for psychic development, and co-author of two books. Liz lives in St. Catharines, ON, with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Liz Throp's website www.lizthrop.com

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