Express your love – don’t hold it in!

A message Uploaded on July 15, 2005 by naama

I’ve had many occasions where because I expected something from the other person, maybe attention, praise, or approval, I held back my own expressions of love. Usually I regret my choice not to share. We are all so busy, and we don’t get to visit our friends and family nearly as much as we’d like. Then when we’re together, we squander our chance to share smiles, joy and laughter because our own expectations get in the way.

Expressing your love, freely and openly, without needing approval nor wanting acknowledgment is a source of great joy and satisfaction. Whenever I practice giving out love, regardless of whether the person “deserves” it or not, I invariably feel happy and good. It’s like that saying “Be the change you want in the world.” I’ve hardly ever regretted sharing a hug, a kind word, a helping hand or encouragement.

I think the worst reaction I may have gotten was a person who was grumpy to begin with that stayed grouchy even after a hug or offer of assistance. But I can’t remember being rejected outright. Even the most bad-tempered person will grudgingly accept a hug, an offer for dinner or thank you for a kindness. Several times I’ve had these people come to me later and thank me profusely while apologizing for their behavior.

I don’t practice this attitude as much as I would like. I get annoyed, irritated and frustrated by problems in my day. I hurry and scurry to work, the store and home again; totally ignoring the chance to smile at a cashier, joke with my co-worker or hug my spouse. Often I want someone else to start the process of giving love, not recognizing that by starting it myself I create that beautiful ripple effect.

I love blogging, because by writing these ideas for fun, laughter and more enjoyment in your life, I remind myself to do the same in mine. To keep the idea alive, here are some quick ways to show your love:

1. Do a chore like washing the dishes or taking out the trash before your spouse has a chance to do it.
2. Smile at other drivers, your bank teller or your boss.
3. When you visit family, be the first to give a huge hug.
4. Share a funny commercial or joke with a coworker.
5. Take your elderly parent to the zoo, out to dinner or for a drive in the country.
6. Write a loving letter to a friend or family member at least once a year.
7. Buy movie tickets for a long-distance friend; go to the movie on the same day, then call or email to compare notes.
8. Buy flowers on unexpected occasions like April Fools Day or Labor Day. Send it to someone who needs cheering up.