Express yourself to make others feel appreciated
Most of us feel love for the people in our lives. But it is what we do with that feeling that counts. Yes, those special people mean the world to us, but the question is – do they know it, do they feel it?
Expressing that love lets those around us know how important they are to us, yet we fail to take the many opportunities that surround us.
"Put down your cell phone and give undivided attention to your children, your spouse, etc.”
Don’t just feel love, say it, show it, give it. We get so busy “doing life” that we forget about the very lives that need to see, feel and experience our expression of love to them. For example:
Touch – A loving hand on a shoulder, a hug, gently brushing a child’s hair, a kiss on the cheek are all ways of communicating love.
Speech – A child overhearing you bragging on him. What we say about our children is what they will likely become. Try to find times to compliment them when they are acting appropriately instead of just when they misbehave. Voice your love to the important people in your life. Your spouse, even your elderly parents treasure hearing the words “I love you so much” or “You mean the world to me.”
Visible Ways – Leave a note stating you love them. Example: “I love you because you are you” or “I am so blessed to have you in my life.” Make up a personal way of saying, “I love you.” Put down your cell phone and give undivided attention to your children, your spouse, etc. Cell phones are supposed to connect us, but create one of the most significant disconnects between people today. Watch when you go out to eat – what are people doing –engaged with one another or occupied with their cell phones. Disconnect from your cell phone and connect with those you are with.
Helping – Lending a helping hand is always a good way to say, “I love you.” Surprise your children every now and then by joining in to help them complete a chore. Give a hand to your spouse by doing small things for them without them asking.
Time – We all have heard that love is spelled time. Giving of one’s time is a major way to show love. We have also heard that time is money. What will be the cost if time is not spent with your kids, your spouse, your loved ones? Be sure when you do spend time with your loved ones that you are “present” and engaged with you are in the company of those you love. You can show you are truly connected by looking the other person in the eyes, nod as they are talking or saying, “I understand” or “Uh, huh,” etc. Lean forward to show you are listening. Body language says a great deal about how much we care about others.
In the book, “Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk,” there are two pictures of a son and his dad. In the first picture the son is trying to get his father’s attention. The dad is watching TV and never turns around to talk to his son. The son finally said, “Forget it.” The second picture shows the dad turning off the TV; turning his chair around and looking directly at his son and giving him his full attention. That is love in action.
Showing love is the single, most important job we have on this earth. So at the end of the day, we need to ask ourselves, “How did I do today in showing love to those significant people in my life?”
