Valentine’s Day has me thinking about love, and how, when our eyes are open wide enough to see it, love shows up in our lives in so many different ways.
Love is…
- an old friend making sure you have their phone number if you ever need to talk through a hard time.
- a soul sister knowing you so well she can make you laugh out loud with a simple text.
- late night talks with your teen and snuggles with your toddler because that’s when they need you.
- flying across the country to hold the hand of your ailing parent.
- your partner pulling you into a hug even though you’ve been fighting for days, just because he knows you need it.
What do these moments all have in common? They are all ACTS of love. Love is an active choice. Love is not just a feeling, it’s a feeling put into action, and it’s a string of actions that open our hearts to certain feelings.
Choosing to love actively is not only the best way to lift up the people you love, but it’s the most potent and powerful way to bring light into your own life, as well. Giving love is the gift that gives back. Try it. Pay attention to what happens in your own heart when you choose to actively love on someone else.
Loving, actively loving, is the most important thing we do in our lives.
But we all know that love isn’t always easy. My last two Psychology Today articles have been all about some of the most challenging crossroads that we often come to in our love lives.
It is one of the greatest honors of my professional life that couples turn to me when they need help knowing how to best love each other. And I have some exciting news!
This fall I’m opening up a few spots for private 5-day Couples Intensives with me someplace beachy and wonderful. We will work together for a few hours each day, and you’ll have the rest of your time on vacation together to connect, play, relax, and integrate the fruits and insights of our work.
If you want to get the scoop on this before the full launch, send me an email ([email protected]) and I’ll share what I know so far. Loving well is an active choice, and these retreats will help you choose it.
And love, sweet love, is truly what the world needs more of right now.
Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone –
Lindsay B. Jernigan, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist – Doctorate
802-229-8270
drlindsayjernigan.com
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