From time to time, ask those you love, “How can I love you more?” Enduring loving relationships will brighten your life. -- Louise Hay
I love this quote. <3
We need to slow down and love more in our lives, at least I know I did. In this day and age, we hear more and more how ‘fast paced’ we are. Everything is at our fingertips; if you don’t know, Google it, we don’t have to wait, just do it now.
When was the last time you just stopped to look into someone’s eyes and have a conversation? No cell phone in hand, no TV, no computer; just a one-on-one conversation.
I bumped into an older gentleman a few weeks ago. He was drunk, could barely stand, he may have been homeless, and he said he was a Vietnam veteran (he was about the right age) but who know. I had never seen this man before, and in most cases, I don’t get that close to strangers, but we were in a line and I didn’t realize his situation until I was right there.
This man spoke to me first and I try to be polite, cautious, but polite. When he spoke to me, I looked into his eyes. They were a beautiful bright blue, gentle, and kind. I had him sit down and got him some water. I spoke to him just a bit more and then we left him.
How often do you look into someone’s eyes when you speak to them? Not just a stranger, but someone you know and even love.
At work, there are many people who ask “how you are” as they are walking down the hall or through a room. Not slowing down to listen to your answer or to acknowledging you. It’s like a reflex for them; not a true concern. Not a question that they want to hear the answer to.
Not saying or judging these people at all, just noting how our society is focused on the hustle and bustle, getting things done, and we are forgetting to look up, to show more love.
This is an area that I am trying to improve. As I was thinking of this, I realized, I couldn’t tell you when my last conversation was with my kids; when we sat and just talked. Looking at each other and had a conversation. No cell phone in hand, no TV, no computer; just a one-on-one conversation.
I had to giggle as I remembered my girls would come home and talk about a ‘boy’ at school and how ‘hot’ he was. As they would describe him, I would ask ‘What color eyes does he have?’ This became a joke because it took a while before they could just answer that question right off. The eyes were not a feature they noticed at first. (ha)
When was the last time that you had a conversation with someone you love? Really stopped everything and just talked and listened.
Do you look into their eyes or look at your hands or the wall or people around you? Now I’m not saying to be creepy about it… you don’t have to sit close and stare without blinking, but look at them and give them your full attention.
The quote at the beginning said “How can I love you more?” Show people in your world more love by taking the time to slow down, look at them, and listen.
How can I love you more? This week, ask the question, and even more importantly, listen to the answer. Make a commitment to do something to show someone close to you more love!
Sending peace, love and joy to you my friend. Sam
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