Do we really have a choice between love and anger, happiness over hostility, smiles over tears?
Most often the answer is yes! But oftentimes that choice means unconditional love.
In reality love that is unconditional is one in which you love someone from the depths of your heart despite behavior, actions, or even qualities. And that goes for yourself as well! Women are especially hard on themselves. It’s time to love you, just as you are. You may wish to change — to be thinner, prettier, taller, shorter, or in love — but it starts with knowing that you hold the secret to happiness.
What about love in a relationship gone awry?
More about that in the upcoming days focusing on forgiveness. But for now consider these thoughts:
In the world of marriage, my favorite quotes on love and marriage are from a PBS Special with the late Professor Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers.
In Joseph Campbell’s The Power of Myth he talked about the essence of marriage with journalist Bill Moyers some years ago. He called ”loyalty” the essence of marriage — “not cheating, not defecting — through whatever trials or suffering, you remain true.”
Bill Moyers added: “The Puritans call marriage the little church within the church.
In marriage, every day you love, and every day you forgive. It is an ongoing sacrament — love and forgiveness.”
Professor Campbell added: “The real life of a marriage or a true love affair is in the relationship…. Marriage is the symbolic recognition of our identity — two aspects of the same being. When every day you think love, not divorce.”
How can you practice unconditional love?
- Express joy often
- Express gratitude
- Look at the positive side of your relationship
- Focus on positive qualities rather than negative ones
- When something upsets you, say so, move on, and quite nagging
- Smile often — research shows that smiles are contagious
Make the best of today, tonight, the week-end — choose love.
Copyright 2011 Rita Watson/ All Rights Reserved