The Love You Carry Inside Will Last a Lifetime
If you have been keeping up with the news lately, you will know what a “pleasure” it is for me to live in Minnesota. First it started with COVID-19, I know, I know...everyone has to endure that one. For us Minnesotans, we also have rioting. And a choice few of us are lucky enough to live within miles from the police officer...yep, the same one who knelt on the neck of George Floyd, likely causing his death by positional asphyxiation.
I have never been one to lament and become depressed about issues like these. Although all of this is very sad and concerning, I must go on. It has been a mission of mine to always find the silver lining.
My mom was “Negative Nancy.” She could turn a blue sky into grey thunderstorms in two seconds flat, and make you believe that whatever was going on was the end of the world. When I was a kid, I didn’t know any better. When I was a teenager, I was becoming more aware of her tactics, but I responded by rebelling. I partied. I stayed in my room. I was on the phone incessantly (Yes, it was the days of the spiral-corded princess phone. Mine was beige with a lighted push-button dial.) I spent endless hours at my friends’ homes. During my teenage years, I was always just...away.
As an adult, I took a step back and intentionally chose the opposite direction. I decided that I simply did not want negativity to be part of how I approached my days. Now that my mom is gone, I wonder how much love she truly felt inside. I’ll never know.
The love you carry inside will last a lifetime--if you nurture it. Whether your own love shows up through a skill, a hobby, a relationship, a pet...you can only keep it alive by intentionally tending to it. Caring. Sharing. Growing. Laughing. Cooking. Conversing….
I think my mom’s actions suppressed love, and it’s why I intentionally nurture the love I have in my own life with positivity. And I think this positive approach to love is contagious. Oh my goodness...did I JUST say contagious? Probably not a word that should be spoken these days!
The coronavirus, the rioting, the hate, the depression, the ugly in this world is also contagious...if you allow it to be. Be intentional in what actions you take because love is a verb.
I love that you were with me today. See you tomorrow!
XO
Lisa A.K.A. Loopie