I am proud to proclaim that I am a heart forward love-monger. I grew up in a touchy feely, mushy gushy family in which verbal and physical affection flowed like water from a fountain. No one left the house without hearing the words I love you and without a hug or kiss from my mom or dad. As a result, I hug my friends every time I see them and those three little words are unabashedly offered as well.

Many people say them, but actions speak louder than words. Love is more than an emotion; to me it seems to be a way of life, an essence and energy that we exude. It is who we are. Each day I ask myself WWLD?  What would love do?  Sometimes it will say what someone most needs to hear. Sometimes it will open the door for someone or smile at them. Sometimes it will look like taking time to understand someone else’s perspective even if (and perhaps especially if) we don’t agree with their view. Sometimes it will look like cleaning up litter, or speaking up if we see someone being harmed. Sometimes it will meaning speaking words of affirmation. Sometimes it will mean acts of service or little gifts for no reason. Sometimes it will mean seeing in others what they can’t yet see in themselves. Sometimes it will mean offering compassion to ourselves and others.

Even though we are distinct human beings with our own feelings and rights to them, we are still intricately interwoven on a spiritual level, so that when we are self deprecating, it also impacts others, causing a ripple effect. When we are self loving, it too sends waves out into the Universe. I would much prefer to splash around in love soup, than get sucked down into the quagmire of fear.

Yesterday, I found this video that was created by two talented singer songwriters (also suspected love-mongers:) named David Roth and Anne Hills. I met them both several years ago and was pulled into the music that speaks of whole hearted living.

I Stand For Love by David Roth

What do you stand for?

Photo credit: barunpatro  Everystock photo