The Gift That Truly Matters
posted in Self Awareness |December 30, 2005
Here I go — off topic again. But I needed to get this article written and on its way to you. I guess that happens with people who think too much — and who like to write about their thoughts.
I’ll be back later today with another article or two on our actual topics.
I was thinking about some personal things this morning. I don’t know what caused these thoughts to pop into my head — maybe it’s because I’m not having a particularly good day.
I started out this morning by having a tooth break off — and I was only eating a piece of toast! It was right in front too, which really made me upset. Then, a few minutes later I whacked my head on the car door as I was getting into it. I don’t have a lot of hair on top, so I now have a hunk of flesh missing right on the top of my head. I had also picked up a cold virus in the last day or so and didn’t have a good night’s sleep last night because of all the coughing.
I was on my way to being the all-time champion grouch of the year, when I thought about how ridiculous it is to let myself feel so awful. As I thought about that, my brain did sort of a “flip-flop” and I began to think about how we express ourselves and our feelings to others.
How often we take our feelings for granted and just presume that the people we care about know how we feel about them. And, that may be true — they may know exactly how we feel. But you know what? Saying “I love you” is a gift we should give to our loved ones whenever we can – even when we feel awful or are having a bad day.
We so often tend to take our close relationships for granted. We forget that letting people know that you love them is so important to keeping a relationship alive and well-nurtured. We often think that we shouldn’t say those words too often. We fear that our loved one will get tired of hearing it.
Why would anyone tire of being told they are loved? Saying “I love you” can make a world of difference. You could take your relationship to a new level — or make an already strong bond even stronger.
I think it’s safe to say that everyone is looking to be loved – or is seeking love. Everyone needs to hear the words “I love you.”
Three simple words - I - Love - You.
When you declare your love for someone you admit to them that you care for them in the most significant way.
Some people find it difficult to express their love in words. This is especially true if they grew up in an environment where that wasn’t done. But you should never be afraid to say “I love you”. Nor, should you be concerned that doing so will make you vulnerable in some way. It’s important to share your feelings with those that matter to you. Part of the fulfillment that comes with loving someone is telling them that you love them.
Besides, love exists to be expressed, not withheld.
If you love someone, let them know. Don’t worry that your loved one won’t feel the same way. Besides, the words “I love you” should be said to another without expectation of a similar return. Saying “I love you” is a gift of the heart sent directly to the heart of the person you love. Even though it may not always look that way, love from the heart is an offering that is always unconditional and given without strings attached.
That is the true essence of the gift of “I love you.
Keep Hope Alive.
Shanti.
