In this world of violence, anger, hate and tragedy, more now than ever before, we are in desperate need of healing, love and kindness. Yet it still seems that the negative is outweighing the positive when it comes to news stories, articles on our FB feeds and coffee shop chat. We are bombarded with news of brutality and killings around the world. Some stories get more attention than others. People are praying for Paris, Houston, Syria, etc. We shake our heads in disgust and sadness, cry and hold our loved ones tight. What we really need to be doing is spreading more love.
It's no secret, love makes the world go round. The Beatles knew what they were talking about when they sang all you need is love. Love is such a powerful energy and it's so ridiculously easy to spread it around. We can do this faster with our words to each other on a daily basis. Here are just a few things we can say to each other that will help spread love around faster. These things don't have to only be said to loved ones. You can say them to strangers too!
1. I appreciate you in my life.
Let people know you love them and they are very special to you. Too many of us, though not out to seek appreciation or recognition, still don't receive it freely from others. Eventually people will stop doing for others when they feel they are being taken advantage of. Take two minutes and tell someone you appreciate them and what they mean to you.
2. You are beautiful.
We are all beautiful in our own special way. Beauty isn't what's on the outside but what's on the inside. Many of us struggle to feel beautiful or look beautiful because of the pressure they feel from advertisements of skinny models and dapper men with ripped abs. Beauty isn't just looks and people forget that sometimes. They need to know they are beautiful just the way they are.
3. Thank you.
Why don't we do that more often? Say thank you for reasons other than when someone actually gives you something. You can thank someone just for being in your life and or making the world a better place. Thank you for being in my life. Thank you for making me feel special. Thank you for making me smile. Thank you for your company. The possibilities are endless really.
4. You are perfect just the way you are.
We are all desperately trying to fit in, do our best and some are probably wasting time trying to be someone they aren't. Let people know they are perfect just the way they are. Imperfections and all. We all mess up sometimes, some where along the way. We are imperfectly perfect. People need to know they don't need to strive for perfection. They already are perfect.
5. I think you are awesome.
Whether they are a stay at home mom or a carpenter, a plumber or your hairstylist, the newspaper delivery boy or the pharmacist. When was the last time you told any of them, or anyone else for that matter, that they are awesome? People love to hear this. The mom and the labourer. We all work our asses off at something and it's just nice to hear hey you're awesome every now and then. Really.
6. You are special.
For whatever reason. We don't need a reason to be told we're special. Just say it. Say it to your children, your spouse, your best friend, to anyone and everyone, the homeless guy on the street or the cashier at Walmart. People love to know and feel special. We all do. It's a basic human necessity. To feel loved, appreciated and special.
Can we change the world and make it a better place? I believe we can, on e person at a time but if we don't at least make an attempt, nothing will change. Do your part in making this world more loving, caring and kind.