Looking For Love Within

     As we grow up we tend to pick up beliefs about needing to be a certain way, or do certain things, in order to be loved. 

     If we buy into this prominent belief in our culture, where being the richest, most beautiful, most successful, is glorified, we will never feel like we are "enough". We will always seek more by acquiring more things and more accomplishments. 

     When we get to the place we always wanted, we feel empty there too. Abundance is not measured by riches, but by a feeling of "being enough". Abundance, like happiness, is an inside job. 

     It is only when we are able to make peace with our imperfections and foibles, and realize that we are inherently worthy, that we can see others the same way - to realize that we are all whole and complete.

     Just as we love our child that throws up all over us, cries incessantly, and keeps us up at night, life loves us! Would you treat a child as you treat yourself? Most people are so much kinder to others than they are to themselves. 

     Why don't we commit to giving ourselves the same love we would give that child - an unconditional, accepting, deep love. I think the reason the Dove video went viral is because we all recognize that we can be so judgmental and cruel to ourselves. It hit home for a lot of people.

     It's quite poignant to realize that our life doesn't get any better than our mind is - we may have great friends and family, wonderful health, the perfect career, and everything else a person could want, and still be unhappy. 

     On the other hand, there are people who basically have nothing - who live in circumstances that you or I would do absolutely anything to avoid - who are happier than we are just because of the character of their minds. 

     Unfortunately, it takes many glimpses of this truth before we take it to heart and attempt to do something about it. What can we do? Pay close attention to our thoughts, and bring as much gratitude and love into our life as we possibly can.

     The meaning of life is love - not only romantic love, but that feeling you get when you see a beautiful sunset, look at a child, hold your pet - feel that warm vibration in your heart that comes from deep gratitude. There is nothing more healing and beautiful. 

     If everyone thought, felt, and acted from a place of genuine love, this world would be that much better. Love yourself; love others; love the earth; treat all things with love.