It’s human nature to want to feel valued and loved. We want to feel connected to another person in a way that is genuine and meaningful—to be truly understood and appreciated for who we are.
But in order to experience this kind of deep connection, I’ve learned you must step outside of yourself and figure out ways to give love. If you focus only on the love you aren’t getting, you will always be left feeling empty and unfulfilled.
So rather than chasing the things you feel are missing in your life and focusing all your energy on self-improvement, you need to accept who you are right now, right in this very moment. Look around you and appreciate the people in your life who do love you and already know what an incredible person you are. Recognize the love you have to offer and start to imagine the possibilities. Trust me, living in a state of gratitude feels a lot better than a state of wanting.
Lori Deschene’s new book, Tiny Buddha’s 365 Tiny Love Challenges, is filled with daily exercises to experience more love in your life. The challenges in this book are designed to help you develop stronger bonds in relationships, let go of anger, and help you better understand yourself and those around you.
I invite you to join me and take this challenge from the book for today, October 8th.
Challenge
When you find yourself getting caught up in your head, thinking only about yourself and everything you have to do, stop and ask someone else how they’re doing.
For reflection
Do you ever get so busy that you forget to consider the people around you?
Do you ever get frustrated when other people seem too busy to consider you?
Has anyone ever made time for you when you knew they were busy, and how did this affect you?
How did it go?
Who did you ask this question, and how did they respond? Did shifting your focus outside yourself affect you in a positive way?
Rose Caiola
Inspired. Rewired.
From TINY BUDDHA’S 365 TINY LOVE CHALLENGES. Copyright © 2015 by Lori Deschene. Reprinted with permission by HarperOne, a division of HarperCollinsPublishers.
Click here to see Rose’s tips for healthy and happy relationships
