February, it’s the Love month! I see candied hearts, boxed chocolates, pink and red cards lining grocery aisles, balloons and bouquets of flowers with “I Love You” signage, and cute, soft and furry stuffed animals all waiting to be purchased in the name of Love.

Personally, I’m not a fan of Valentine’s Day and never have been. Maybe it’s the Princess in me that thinks Valentine’s Day should be everyday not just one day of the year. I think V-Day makes lazy lovers of all of us.

Instead of allowing ourselves to be lazy, what if we started living our lives in a daily “State of Love”? Impossible or crazy you say? Well sister, I’m here to dare you to try. The worst thing that can happen is you stay in the state you are currently in and as Dr. Phil would ask, “How’s that working for ya?” Exactly!

So first let’s define Love. My favorite scripture, I believe defines it best, it says “Love is patient, Love is kind, It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails.” How beautiful is that? Do you ever wonder if you are giving and receiving Love? Reread the scripture (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) and there is your answer.

What if every day of the year we reminded ourselves to be more loving toward everyone in our lives or whomever we encountered? It doesn’t mean we buy everyone chocolates or gifts, nor do we have to hug and sing “Kumbaya” with them. It simply means you are more thoughtful of others. How many times a day are we given an opportunity to Love and we dismiss it because we are too busy, too angry, or too self-centered? Ouch!

Loving can be as easy as listening and comforting someone, or saying a few encouraging words. It can be the only smile or hello that a stranger receives as you pass them by, or maybe you check on a friend who has been ill or going through a rough time. It can be making time to catch up with friends, calling a family member simply to say “I’m thinking of you” or “I miss you”.

Love is not something that is bought or comes in any sort of package. It is the most unique and wonderful gift you can ever share, because you see my friends, that gift is in You.

Living in a state of Love is easy if we take the focus off of ourselves and focus on others. Surround yourself with others in the same state and watch your world become brighter and lighter, and yes even full of Love.

If you enjoyed this article you might also like this one by Toni Emerson that goes more in depth on this subject:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/toni-emerson/living-in-love_b_846317.html

 

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