Loving the World!

We live on a beautiful planet. Water, mountains, trees, flowers, animals, and people all existing together on what we call Earth.

Yes there are things happening all the time which can be perceived by us as negative-war,drought,famine,crime,,earthquakes, and more- yet there are always wonderful things being experienced at the exact same time.

Today, on Valentine's Day, a holiday in which we celebrate love, I'd like to propose that we think about ways to love the whole world more and take action to actively share our love with others.

How can we share love and spread it around the world?

Here are several ways that are a start:

1. Say the words "I love you. You matter to me" to family,relatives, and friends. Look them in the eye when you say them. Give them hugs on a regular basis. We humans crave that intimacy and feelings that only a hug can bring. Send photos,emails, and letters to those who aren't near you.

2. Pay attention to your own self. Whenever you start feeling any negative feelings towards another human being, ask yourself what issue is coming up for you. Deal with whatever that is-jealousy,hate, bigotry, or something else- forgive yourself, and try to make amends if at all possible. Forgive yourself and make certain that self-care is a daily practice. You can be of far better service to others when you have higher self-esteem and love for yourself. That actually teaches you how to love others more effectively!

3. Follow the Golden Rule- " Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you." Set the example for those you come into contact each day. This includes both your work and personal life. Doing this shows your self-love as well as your love for others.

4. Volunteer to help others either right where you live or someplace else. Opportunities abound everywhere for you to make a difference using your unique skills and passions. Whether you decide to go to a foreign country, across the state or country you live in to help, or stay in your local community to do so, you are part of the global community who are making the world a better place.

5. Give away part of your assets as you feel led. Donate goods to organizations who are able to pass them out appropriately or sell them to fund jobs for other people who need them. Give money to those charities,churches, or non-profits who you have researched who can spend the money wisely. You could also do something such as send cookies to the troops to let them know you're thinking of them while they are away from their families and that they are appreciated as individuals, or buy school supplies or clothes for a child whose parents cannot afford them.

6. Vote to elect officials that are not about being in power, and who are about helping people and nature thrive. Seek the love factor in those who you vote for.

7. Pray for the whole world, not just those you know. Sincerely compliment others as you can. Practice optimism. Negativity never has helped the world become a place that is nicer to live in.
Smile and be cheerful. It's contagious!

8. Don't forget those who are shut-ins, those who are in hospitals and nursing homes, those who are serving time in prison, and all others who have needs that you do not. They are people too, and may need some extra love and care. Our love has the potential to help people feel that they are valued, give them hope, and even to be the stimulus to turn people's lives around.
That is incredibly powerful!

Happy Valentine's Day to all who read this. I love you!