So what is it? What do you love? What’s the first thing that comes to mind? Say it. I mean it. Say it. Quietly if you must, but speak the words. If a whole list of things come to mind you might want to write them down.
Being Valentine’s Day, many of us would say the name of our spouse, but maybe you said ‘my kids’ or, . . . . because I asked “what” not “who” you may not have been thinking ‘people,’ but in my experience most of us think we love people or God more than anything else. But is that true?
Today, Valentine’s Day, the world is encouraging you to do something nice for, and be extra sweet to, the one(s) you love. Therefore, you’re probably feeling good about yourself! Let’s linger in that feeling so we don’t forget how good it feels to bestow love and honor. Doesn’t it feel gooood?
Here’s the challenge. Studies show that we always do what we love and pursue it because it is what we value. So let’s take a look at what we said we loved and our daily habits and see if they match up.
I’ll go first 🙂 The reality of this challenge stung me pretty hard before I recognized it as truth. I had to argue the point with myself and, yes, with our marriage counselor before I had my “aha” – actually it was more like “ouch!!” Though it was a bit painful, it spurred on growth because it made me re-evaluate my behavior. It wasn’t consistent with what I said. For me to be in integrity with myself I had to change one or the other. I chose to modify my behavior.
Your turn. Does what you say match up with what you do and pursue on a regular basis? A good place to start is to ask yourself, “Do I get to linger in that feeling pretty often – knowing that what I did or how I behaved or interacted expressed love and honor to the one(s) I say I love? If not, what is stealing your heart? A schedule that is too busy? A more intense desire to be “successful” than to have a good relationship? You name it.
I’m using this special occasion to challenge you because right now you are probably feeling good about your relationship. Taking note of how fantastic you feel when you do good and truly are on your best behavior is important. We have pleasant interactions and life seems good. It isn’t fake. Life is good, or at least a ton better, when we are our best selves.
If you need some behavior modification, like I did, what does it look like?
I’m thinking I may have a new resolution for 2013. Maybe I’ll kiss my love and say Happy Valentine’s Day every morning- just so I remember to be my best self.
Hoping you make this day worth remembering!