Love is a tool for freedom
This time of year always reminds me of the importance of love and community. This Thanksgiving, I spent time with my closest friends and family members. The experience was amazing. It was great to be surrounded by people who’ve been in my life through my many evolutions.
My love of old and new goes hand in hand. It has been my family and friends who have served as anchors to me through many seasons. But I'm also thankful for the friends I've made along the way. By being open to all the good the world has to offer, I’ve been able to call in new relationships with people who are different from me. These relationships have added so much value to my life and helped expand my outlook on things exponentially. In these relationships, I have learned to love, lead, and listen to the world around me in new ways.
As part of the Compass Point program, I created the following framework to help you establish authentic love goals that lead to relationships that are nourishing at every step of your journey. Regardless of who you are or what's going on in your life, the following framework can guide you as you live your life in love.
L-imitless: Do not let your perception of yourself limit your ability to form relationships with others. Being able to love and hold space for someone does not require them to have the same experiences as you. Be open to diverse perspectives and experiences.
O-pportunities: Turn challenges into opportunities instead of obstacles.
V-itality: Be energetic and passionate about moving forward. However, know when you need to pause, breathe and reset to replenish your cup.
E-volution: This life is a journey, and things will change over time or as uncontrollable external factors come into play. Allow yourself to evolve and expand.
This week, what love goal can you set for yourself? How can you connect with someone outside your comfort zone? Are there opportunities for you to lead with openness and acceptance at work or at home? While giving to others, what are some ways you can replenish your cup? In what ways can these practices evolve with time? Using the framework above, anchor yourself as you set your LOVE goal for the week. Remember, love is an action, not a destination.