I have been thinking a lot lately about how important it is (and how good it feels!) to tell the people I love that I love them. Or for them to tell me they are thinking about me. I have a handful of ongoing text threads with close friends and family members, some more active than others, and I’ve really been sitting in and with the words we exchange with one another. We exchange loving words in person too! However, many of my friends are long distance, and even local friends and I only see one another every week or two or so, whereas text can be a daily or spontaneous thing.
- “You’re the best!”
- “I love you.”
- “I miss you!”
- “I’m thinking about you.”
- “You are doing it!”
And so on…
I feel warm and fuzzy just thinking about giving and receiving these messages. It feels good– like hot chocolate good lol– deep in the core of my body when I think these things and say these caring words to loved ones. Likewise, when a friend reaches out and shares loving words with me, I feel joyful and at ease.
What’s coming up for you as you think about giving and receiving loving words with the people you feel close to?
Connecting with Others
We don’t have to feel our feelings, and we don’t have to tell others how we are feeling. In other words, it’s an option to just keep going from one daily task to another without acknowledging our feelings– both with ourselves and with our loved ones.
When we do, though, when we take the time to feel and then reach out to a trusting, loving other, connection can grow. I also find that when I open up and let someone know I care, I feel like my most authentic self. It just feels so REAL to share tender-hearted moments with others.
Of course, there are also situations in which it may not be safe to be vulnerable in the ways I am describing, which is real and valid, too. This is a reminder to trust yourself and your boundaries.
- Is there someone you want to reach out to?
- Who have you been wanting to appreciate or share loving words with?
- Is there someone whose words you can sit with and really receive?
- What do you notice when you are giving and receiving loving words?
- What are the ways you most enjoy giving and receiving loving words?
As you think about the people in your circles of support, you may enjoy documenting your support system with this guide + map. I love you, and I am here to cheer you on along your journey!
* Photo Credit: Helena Lopes on Unsplash
