SOUND CHANGES#153;
Write Your Own Love Story
By Ellen Simon, M.S., M. Ed., LPC
www.imadulation.com
Valentine's day is that time of the year when we think about hearts,flowers, cupids amp; mostly love.
As human beings, we have a natural desire, a need to feel loved. Wecrave this feeling and look for it, even in places where it does notexist. We look for love in food and drink, in objects and activities.Yet this feeling of love originates within your heart and is mostdelightful when shared and mirrored by another. Living in the light oflove breeds confidence, strength, joy and serves as a great cushion forthe bumps and bruises of life. So how can we have more love in ourlife? We increase love when we cultivate in ourselves:
The capacity and desire to be kind
The capacity and desire to bring joy
The capacity and desire to ease pain
The capacity and desire to allow each other to be free
Romantic love may bring forth images of Romeo amp; Juliet,Antony amp; Cleopatra, John amp; Yoko. And who doesn't wish for theglory of exalted love? How will you get more love on this Valentine'sDay and the days hereafter? It starts with how we treat each other,which can serve to enhance or diminish the warm tender feelings andintimacy that love creates.
The images you hold in your mind can serve to fan the flames or squelchthe passion. Realizing that love is a conscious choice creates for youlife's greatest opportunity. The benefactors of this choice will beyour loved ones- your significant other, your children, parents, familyand friends, even strangers on the street can benefit from a genuinesmile and heartfelt good wishes. And you will benefit most of all. Youand only you are responsible for choosing the path of love.
Start by using your creative imagination to choose loving images thathelp cultivate more loving feelings. You can just as easily choosenegative thoughts that will lead you down a very different path. Whenyou realize the power of this choice your life will change. Choose loveand use your intention to:
Be Present - let go of the past let go of worry about the future
Show appreciation and joy being in the presence of your beloved
Demonstrate compassion and the ability to relieve suffering inthe other
Let go of pride and be willing to share your feelings and ask forwhat you need
Forgive and let go of past hurts. Remember and nourish the qualitiesyou appreciate and love in others rather than focus on what you do notwant or what you think is wrong. The more you think about what youappreciate and love, the more it will grow in your life. Feelinggratitude for life opens the heart to love. This Valentine's Day,rather than waiting for love to find you, may you find love waitingwithin you. Take cupid's arrow and redirect it towards your heart andenjoy a day and a lifetime of renewed hope, happiness and love.
Ellen Simon is a nationally recognized expert in the field ofmind bodyhealth. Ellen's unique brands of audio programs are in use in hospitalsand health care facilities across the country. Ellen is the author ofover 25 titles. This article is adapted from Food for Thoughtreg;, a 6audio CD set
www.imadulation.com
.For more information visit Permission granted for use onDrLaura.com.
