Living with love in your heart is appreciating and embracing all aspects of your life. It starts with the loyal dog by your side, tail wagging as she happily waits for you to open your eyes each new day, the family members who support you and build you up, whether you share blood or not, and the neighbors who drop a surprise treat at your doorstep, knock, and then run. It continues with the friends who invite you out for good company and the boisterous children in your life who run at your feet. It extends beyond these important things as well, though.
We can get caught up in thoughts about that one thing we’d love to have or focus on the “missing elements” of our lives. “If I just had such and such, I’d be so content,” we declare. For some, it’s that significant other they’ve so hoped will come along: the love of a romantic relationship. Others are looking for that job that will make their career life seem complete: the love of one’s work. Still others long for that trip they’ve always wanted to take: the love of finally feeling rewarded.
Maybe instead of lying in wait, we just start filling our lives up now with what we love. The “what we love” part is unique to each of us and can consist of so many different things. Fulfillment equals a heart full of love, and I know because I excel at math equations (sending a shout out and thanks to all those patient friends from the past who are laughing right now–you know who you are).
Why waste time hoping this ideal will show up or even be able to measure up to what we’ve created mentally? Why torture ourselves in this way? We all have the capability to create the loves that are a part of our lives. Don’t wait for the weekend to get here. Don’t wait until Mary Poppins arrives at your doorstep. Don’t wait for the warm weather to show up. Don’t wait for the stars to align. We admittedly do these things because we’re human. I personally would settle for Cinderella’s fairy godmother as much as I would Mary Poppins. Bibbidi bobbidi boo! Hey, I’m not picky! I digress, though….
Use all of the seconds and minutes of your life. Fill them up with all that is out there. Intentionally encounter the things that interest you and even the things that don’t. Who knows what you might find? Gain knowledge and experience.
Sign up for that adventure that makes you bite your nails when you think about it. Learn about the music you love. Train for that physical challenge you’ve always thought about. Try the “weird” food. Meet new and different people and see what they can teach you about your own life.
An important aspect of feeling love is filling our hearts up with joy intentionally. Love yourself by making choices that add contentment to your life and watch everything else fall into place.