Living a loving lifestyle is all about embodying love in every aspect of your life. It means that you not only express love towards others and the world around you, but first and more importantly, towards yourself. As within, so without. It doesn’t work the other way, ‘others first’ can breed resentment and resembles people pleasing which comes from fear not love. It's about cultivating a loving mindset and allowing it to guide your actions and decisions. Teal Swan, a mentor of mine, and spiritual catalyst says we would do well to ask ourselves before making a decision, “What would someone who loves them self do?” I started the practice of asking this question several years ago and it has shifted my perspective and guided me into living a more fulfilling life. Back in 2018, I recall being asked, “what makes you happy?” And my answer caught the inquirer and maybe even myself by surprise, “I AM happy, I hold my happiness within me, it pours out of me, not into me.” I credit Teal Swan’s question for incrementally aiding in my cultivation of my impenetrable foundation of happiness, perhaps self-love is the foundation of happiness, which brings me to step one in living the loving lifestyle.

So, how do you live a loving lifestyle? Here are some key principles to keep in mind:

1. Practice self-love: The foundation of a loving lifestyle starts with self-love. This means accepting yourself for who you are, flaws and all, shadow and light, and treating yourself with kindness and compassion, never abandoning yourself for the benefit of others. Take care of your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and make time for self-care activities that bring you joy and peace. My visceral experience of Oneness, which met once and for all my spiritual need for divine connection solidified my faith in my worthiness of being loved, first by The Divine and then by my own self.

2. Cultivate loving relationships: We are the only species that is born three months pre-mature. A human baby would die without their parent’s attention. We are a relationally dependent species. Relationships are the cornerstone of a fulfilling life, so it's important to nurture them with love and respect. Be present and attentive when spending time with loved ones, express appreciation and gratitude, and prioritize open and honest communication. Notice when a relationship is feeling transactional.

3. Practice kindness and compassion: Extend love and compassion to others, even those who may have hurt or wronged you in the past. A wise man once said, “Love your enemies.” Treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their background or beliefs, and practice forgiveness whenever possible. The operative word here is Practice, because that’s exactly what it is, a practice, hopefully a daily one.

4. Spread love and positivity: Make a conscious effort to spread love and positivity wherever you go. Smile at strangers, offer a helping hand, and share words of encouragement and support with those who need it. Think about in what kind of world you want to live. Be a love ambassador.

5. Embrace gratitude: Living a loving lifestyle also means being grateful for all the blessings in your life. Take time to reflect on all the good things in your life, big and small, and express gratitude for them regularly.

Living a loving lifestyle takes practice and dedication, but the rewards are immeasurable. By embodying love in everything you do, you'll create a life filled with joy, peace, and fulfillment. So, start today by taking small steps towards living a more loving life, and watch as it transforms your world for the better. I invite you to join me in this community, Living the Loving Lifestyle.