Love is a word that, one year ago, I rarely said. It seemed so cheesy and overused and whimsical that I rarely even thought about what "love" really is. When thinking of ways to better myself and my relationships, I always seemed to think of complex ways to fix problems: spark creativity, become self-aware, accept myself, be vulnerable, enjoy the little things. As vital as all these things are, lately I've been beginning to that sometimes, things don't have to be so complicated. I think I often get so trapped up in the different things I'm suppose to do and ideas I'm suppose to embrace, when really, it's all as easy and uncomplicated as choosing love.
My heart's new shift towards love sparked from the unconditional love I've experienced from some of my mentors. I also know it's from reading the amazing work of Bob Goff, Love Does. Whereas before, "loving" and "caring" were never descriptions I cared to have, I crave to embody them now. Nothing else seems more important. Whatever the cause, I've been trying to keep the phrase "show love" in my head throughout my day. Love is a weird thing. It heals relationships and brokenness and loneliness. It manifests physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. And most profound of all, I think that it is the most efficient way to reach equality, happiness, acceptance, and peace. Above any other mechanism, any amount of money, any bill being passed or argument being won - I think love works the best.
But what does it really mean to "show love"? Of course it chances throughout every relationship. Love has no limits and no objective rules. It changes from person to person and place to place, nevertheless I think there are some that never really fail. I decided to compile a list of 25 things that I think are usually pretty good ways to "show love" to others (for no cost at all.)
- Hug someone. (Especially if, like me, you’re not a “huggy” person).
- Write someone a letter.
- Make someone a playlist.
- Reach out to a friend you haven’t talked to in a long time.
- Call someone you normally only text. (Without warning).
- Remember details about someone, ask them about it. (For example, a trip they are going on this summer that they wouldn't expect you to remember).
- Be genuinely interested in what they have to say. (Even if it's a subject you know nothing about)
- Introduce yourself to someone you often see but don’t really know.
- Invite someone new to do something with you and your friends.
- Offer your clothes to someone to wear.
- Give food to a homeless person.
- Promote a product with a mission you believe. (On your social media, talk about it to others, etc).
- Be vulnerable and real on your social media. (Utilize this platform to create empathy and connection).
- If someone does or says something that inspires you, let them know.
- Make something. (Food, crafts, etc. - Do what you can with what you have).
- If you work in the food industry (whether it’s Starbucks or a fine dining restaurant) remember someone’s order.
- Go on a walk/hike with someone.
- Offer to give someone a ride. (Especially if you know they will need it).
- Teach someone a skill that you have. (Skateboarding, drawing, knitting, swimming).
- Rent your favorite book for someone to read.
- Give someone a massage. (Obviously, make this only appropriate in certain circumstances).
- Pray for someone. (With them, without them, whatever. Mention them in your conversations with God).
- Say thank you. Make it unexpected, honest, and intentional.
- Smile. At someone you know. At an acquaintance. At a complete stranger. It will be transformative.
- Listen. Simply be there and be available and be a sound wall for the person to talk to. You might not even realize how big of an impact simply being there to listen to someone might have.
