ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE: GIVING LOVE WHEN YOU MAY GET NONE IN RETURN

The holidays are really about appreciation and being thankful for the friends, family and security that we have.  All you need is love, right?

This year has been one of growth for me.  I am so happy for the lessons that I've learned because they have made me a more peaceful, grounded and relaxed person.  I'm also a more loving person. 

There have been many moments throughout the year that I did not receive love from others. As I've dealt with the public, family members and even at times, my spouse, I have not always been on the receiving end of kind, loving actions or words.  In these interactions, I did not always respond with love; rather I reacted to the situation feeling hurt, defeated or angry.  And you know what I've learned.....it's not about me.  These are the reactions of others, not mine.  It's not personal.  That realization has given me the strength to be kind in return, to extend an olive branch even when I was not the offender and to consistently practice love and gratitude in my interactions with others.

People will always have misconceptions about you.  That is inevitable and it is hurtful when they are the people who are supposed to be closest to you and know you the best.  Often we are overwhelmed, stressed and feeling unsupported and these moments lead to negative interactions.  Everyone is going through one thing or another and the best gift that we can give to one another is grace and love.