"Love is a choice. So get up everyday and choose to take the actions that nurture your relationship with the people you love." ~Christine Somers
I run. Okay, in the interest of full transparency I'm actually following a plan of intervals that when completed will result in me running continuously. Right now it's more a walk/run exercise. And I know running is a verb. Running requires me to get up off the sofa, lace up my sneakers and put one foot in front of the other until I complete the 3.2-mile course. I don't cheat, I don't lie about my time and I work at it everyday because if I don't, I am the one who suffers.
From the sidelines it may look easy, particularly when I place second in my age group but it's not. Some days I don't feel like it but I still choose to run. I'm committed to being a runner and choose to do what it takes to make that a reality. Running makes my whole life easier because I am healthier and happier when doing it but don't think there aren't days when choosing to run is difficult. It is difficult at times but I am making an intentional choice to make running part of my life.
Love is also a verb. Loving is about getting up everyday and taking the actions necessary to intentionally love another person. Commitment, loyalty, giving of your time and speaking kindly are a few of the tools I wrote about in February that support and nurture a loving relationship. Some days you may not feel like you love your spouse, children, family or friends but a wise person knows that love is not a feeling. Love is a choice. So get up everyday and choose to take the actions that nurture your relationships with the people you love.
I am sure you've heard a friend say, "I fell in love with her the minute she walked in the room." Heck, I've even used that vocabulary myself. The phrase "fell in love" sounds like love is about losing control and falling into to a big vat of love. I don't discount those feelings but I can guarantee that a day will come when your pink bundle of joy will turn into a 15 year-old who rolls her eyes every time you walk in the room. On those days you choose to love your child until the feeling returns or she leaves home.
To live life intentionally means to identify and state your priorities so that you can dedicate your finite time and resource to accomplishing your stated priorities. Intentional loving means to identify the tools necessary to nurture and nourish your most precious relationships. Do you intentionally love the people in your life?
This past month we looked at what love is and how to nurture you most intimate relationships. I would love to hear your thoughts on the series and anything you would like to add is welcome.
Hugs,
C