A Valentine’s Day Perspective

Maya Angelou’s quote reminds me that showing love is a moment by moment practice. Valentine’s Day is an official day to reach out (with lots of baggage in my book), but it’s the day-to-day love we show that really leaves an impact. What does it take to make others feel loved when they are around you? 

I think the key is whether you make them feel seen. I mean really seen. 

• Do you listen to them? Listen for what’s not being said, what their values are, what emotionally might be going on for them? (Even when you are in a hurry?)

• Are you in awe of them and what they bring to the relationship, your community, the world? (Even if it is different from what you want or are accustomed to?)

• Do you hold a curiosity about their perspectives? (Even if they are different from yours?)

• How do you show them you believe in them? (Even if perhaps you’ve been disappointed?)

Yes, this is a lifelong practice. So let’s take this Valentine’s Day to LIVE in a way that leaves others feeling loved. Let’s find ways to live that make people feel good about themselves when they are in our presence. Life is short, so why not slow down a little and be intentional about our impact?

I can feel the ripple from here. Thanks for all the ways you make someone feel seen today!