Giving and Receiving Love

Some people are harder to love than others. You know it’s true. Everyone knows at least one person who just really gets us riled up. Nevertheless, if we consciously try to send love to that person, we can bring forth more feelings of compassion and peace. It may not happen right away, but as long as we’re acting with the intention of raising our vibration to one of love, then it will be to everyone’s benefit in the long term.

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.”

Dalai Lama

Now we need to ask ourselves if we have love for ourselves and how do we express that love? Do we put our needs, dreams, and feelings first or do we consistently put other people’s ahead of our own? We have often been told that we should always put others first, and if we do otherwise, then we’re being selfish. However, that’s not accurate. We must show compassion and love for ourselves, too. If we don’t, then we’re sending ourselves the message that we’re not deserving of it. And when we can honestly love who we are, then we honor ourselves and we can more easily love and honor others.

“If you can learn to love yourself and all the flaws, you can love other people so much better. And that makes you so happy.”

Kristin Chenoweth

Additionally, we must be able to accept the love others show us. This is not necessarily a romantic love, but love in general that is expressed as kindness, friendship, and nurturing. As we open our hearts to giving and receiving love, we expand our capacity for love.

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is to love and be loved in return.”

Natalie Cole