Did you wait until today to think about it at all? Your love for someone else? Your love for yourself?
It’s starting to sound cliche, self love, kind of like self help, it's a whole section in the bookstore, that you don't really want anyone to find you in.
But we usually practice love outwardly, not inwardly.
If you are just giving all your love out, and maybe feeling at times... .
frustrated
resentful
exhausted
tense
depleted
like you aren't being heard
like you aren't being understood
It could be that you have a sort of love imbalance. I mean, think of all the food you ate yesterday during the Super Bowl, you probably woke up today ready to balance that out with a workout and a smoothie, not keep eating nachos, right?*
*No judgement if you're still eating the nachos.
So what can you do for you? How about start by figuring out how you even receive love the best? Because if you're.....
getting flowers, but want a hug
getting breakfast in bed, but would rather the kitchen be immaculate when you walk downstairs
geting a massage, but you really want time alone to organize a closet
getting a gift, but the card doesn't have the personal message you were hoping for
Here is your guide to how to fill your own love tank, and also those around you-spouses, partners, friends, family, even your kids. This is from the book, The 5 Love Languages, by Gary Chapman.
Are you gifting to someone who reads the card and barely cares about the present?
They are going to appreciate words of affirmation. What if, all week long, you gave that to them. Just said something so specific each day- "you look so good in those jeans" or "your team at work is so lucky to have you as a boss" can go a long way. And a card left for them, without occasion, expressing all these things, is like gold.
Are you gifting to someone who would prefer a head massage to a perfectly clean house or a home cooked dinner?
They are going to appreciate physical touch. Give them a head massage, a foot massage, give them a hug, make a point this week to embrace them, get close to them, every day.
Are you gifting to someone who is always doing things for you-getting your car washed, cleaning the house, fixing everything, making dinner?
They are going to appreciate you doing something for them-acts of service. Pick up the dry cleaning, clean up the dog poop, vacuum the living room, take out the garbage. Make (or order!) their favorite dinner on a random Tuesday with all the details covered-table set, water glasses filled, wine poured.
Are you gifting to someone who just wants to sit with you on the couch, who loves a good date night, who wants your undivided attention?
They are going to appreciate you putting the phone away, planning a night or day out, or having a movie night where they get you all to themselves. Any quality time you can give them. Even a cup of coffee in bed, before life gets going, can be like a slice of heaven.
Are you gifting to someone who likes to, well, receive gifts? Like, those who gush when their kids bring home 3 wilted flowers from the neighbors yard?
They are going to appreciate receiving gifts. But you can get creative with this one, it doesn't have to cost a lot to mean a lot. A journal and a pen, frame a picture of the two of you, set up your tv to play back photo memories and have wine & chocolates to go with the viewing session.
Lots of love to you and those you love, today and beyond,
Jill