Love Yourself!

One of the primary concerns on the mind of today’s working woman is “How can I get it all done?” Whether or not that should even be the goal is worthy of its own conversation. But for most of us, in our desire to be it all, do it all & have it all, we are disregarding a very important element. That’s right, the matter of real love.

Whether you love your family is certainly not the question. Of course you do! But, do they always feel it? There is a definite difference between knowing that you’re loved and feeling that you’re loved. This difference is what drains the passion out of marriages and transforms them into business arrangements. This difference is one of the reasons kids and parents become so distant. This difference is one reason you neglect your own physical and mental health when you know better. Frequently, the missing ingredient is a real feeling of love. In the midst of our busy schedules sometimes we forget to put “relate to my husband in HIS love language” on our to-do lists. Or, to schedule time to discover how our children prefer to be loved, and then do it.

So the question is what’s love got to do with it? The answer, everything. When you don’t love your job, your body, your hair, your home, your life or yourself, it shows up in other areas of your life and in your relationships. As much as you may believe you’re doing a great job of hiding it, please know that it will usually catch up with you. I don’t want to scare you, but I do want to wake you up.

So, what’s the solution? There are many possible approaches to this dilemma of not enough love being demonstrated or received. I really like the book The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. In it, you’ll discover which of the following is the primary language of your loved ones and yourself.

1. Words of Affirmation
2. Quality Time
3. Receiving Gifts
4. Acts of Service
5. Physical Touch

Once you understand their language as well as your own, you can be much more effective in developing and demonstrating the depth & breadth of your love.

Challenge-I challenge you to discover your primary love language and then gift yourself with an outward expression of love using it. For example, if it’s physical touch schedule yourself a massage. If it’s acts of service, hire a maid or get your car detailed. If it’s receiving gifts, send yourself flowers with a simple note that says “I Love You!” These may seem silly to you at first, but when you experience how great if feels, you’ll be more likely to happily relate to your children, husband, family and friends in their own languages.

I am NOT perfect; I can’t be and won’t be perfect.

I AM special; I am loving and lovable.

I am ONLY one, but I am one.

I am God’s UNIQUE creation.

I CAN make a difference.

I AM Phenomenal!

This movie is in my DVD collection. Chris’ story is a wonderful example of how talent, determination, perseverance and grace can pay off. This is one of the most powerful moments in the movie. It’s also a wonderful example to show the world that many African-American men are loving, commited and present fathers.

I love the song “I hope you dance!” Personally, I spent WAY TOO MANY YEARS sitting on the sidelines and holding up the wall at the party of life. I’m so grateful that now I’m “dancing” literally and figuratively; I’m enjoying living a Phenomenal Lifestyle! I’d love to pass on a piece of that to you too. I hope you enjoy this video!