Continuing on the quest to find not money, but the things that money can bring…
As I’ve written before, I do not believe that our environmental problems will be solved to the degree necessary simply by changing environmental policy, starting the right social programs, or electing the right politicians. This is because such changes would not be possible, or sustainable, without some necessary inner changes happening first.
Our environmental problems run so much deeper than a couple of lousy politicians (ok, maybe more than a couple), outdated laws, or certain individuals not carrying re-usable coffee mugs. Policy decisions and the actions of all people – including both you and I – are merely a reflection of our inner state. A large part of what our environmental dilemma comes down to is where we are as individuals in terms of our self-awareness about what we truly desire.
One of our greatest desires as humans is love; to love and to be loved. Perhaps one of the greatest misconceptions, however, is that money can buy love (whether we are aware of this belief or not).
Money = security = happy and healthy family = lifetime supply of love… right?
Possibly – although this certainly isn’t fail-safe. So I wonder, is there a more guaranteed route to our lifetime supply of love?
On my most recent birthday (ahhh, 24!!), I learned something important about love. I learned that there is so much love around us if we are open to it. This past birthday I felt so special and felt so much love from my friends and family that I was about to burst. I have probably gotten the same amount of attention every year for my birthday, but I had never been as open to it, or as appreciative.
I can remember two years ago when I went out with some friends for my birthday and all I could focus on were the friends that had not shown up – and I failed to give my full attention and gratitude to those who had made the effort to come.
Everyone has someone in their life who loves them. It doesn’t matter how many people, and it doesn’t matter in what form. What matters is that it’s there, and that it’s real.
What made this most recent birthday so much better was the fact that I was focusing on the people who were there celebrating with me, and I was open to the love I was receiving. The best part is that getting so much love made me want to give more. And I am.
Since my birthday I have been putting in a conscious effort to tell people in my life how much I love and appreciate them. And on and on it goes…
Don’t hold back on telling someone how much you love and value them. It always feels great and inspires people to be the best they can be. And never under-value the love that you are given, thinking that it is not enough. Just let it fill you up. Knowing we are loved we will feel secure and ready to go out into the world to make a difference, rather than trying to find security solely through money.
I can guarantee that the more love you give, and the more open you are to receiving it, the more love you will get. And that, my friends, is what the hokey pokey is all about.
ACTION IDEA
Tell five people today how much you love them, care for them, appreciate them, value them… however you want to put it. Keep telling five people every week and see what happens…
-Becca
Ps – I love you!
