A New Year of Putting Love into Action

“Love is something you do:  the sacrifices you make, the giving of self…Love is a value that is actualized through loving actions.”

                       -          Stephen Covey

 

Most of us are familiar with the standard resolution list created at the beginning of each New Year.  It is primarily filled with specific ideas and tasks that we wish to accomplish in order to live happier, healthier, more productive lives.  However, what if we were to create a different list this year?  One focused on what we can accomplish in our relationships with other people?

Essentially, the question would be:  what can I do for others that will create/maintain more loving connections?

Putting love into action does not mean becoming a whole new person or ignoring our own needs/wants.  It means being more aware of what love ‘looks’ like in our daily lives and, when not present, making it visible.  

Here are some ideas to help us put love into action:

Do more and talk less- We’ve all  heard the cliché, ‘talk is cheap’ and it really is in terms of how much we give of ourselves when we use words instead of actions.  It ‘costs’ less mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical energy.  Someone who talks about taking a step to move forward- when they want to do it, how they will do it, etc. but never takes the step will most probably never see it actualized.  The same is true of someone who talks about wanting a closer, more loving, more supportive relationship, but never takes the steps to be closer, more loving, or more supportive.  He/she will likely never see it happen in real life. 

Think small-  Putting love into action is most effective when practiced on a regular basis.  It does not need to involve an expensive gift, a lavish party, or a public spectacle. Those are occasions, special moments that signify time away from the normal routine.  Our resolution is about consistent acts of kindness-  small, everyday moments that create a smile, brighten a day, or cause a pleasant surprise.  

Know your truth-  It is important to do away with our own expectations and to listen to our gut or intuition- the voice inside that says something feels right.  If we are true to ourselves, an act of love will have meaning and positive value whether or not it is accepted, acknowledged, or reciprocated by others.  William Shakespeare wrote in the 16^th century: “Above all, to thine own self be true.”  

May the new year bring us opportunities to put love into action and to build healthier, more fulfilling connections with others.

Feel free to share your own thoughts and reactions to creating more loving connections with other people by posting a comment below.