What's love got to do with it?

Everything. Of course, you knew I would say that.

The love I write about can include romantic love, yet what I want you to consider is a more encompassing love. Love has everything to do with everything. We do things with love or as a demand for love. In either case, we affect the energy with which we do things and we have an immediate effect in our spirits and the spirit of those around us.

We do things with love when we show consideration, understanding, joy, gratitude and genuine appreciation. We have an opportunity to love in our work, in our homes, in our families, in our relationships and in our communities. When we do things with love, we foster trust, inspiration and cooperation. When we imbue what we do with love, love returns to us over and over again.

We don't have to like everyone we interact with, but we can love them. We love them by not judging, showing respect, allowing individual creativity and thought to flow, cultivating politeness, courtesy, acceptance and patience, forgiving the little annoyances and being willing to understand. We see them as one with us, not separate from us. When we act in love, we are loving ourselves. Of course, the inverse is also true.

©2013 The Soulcerer's Apprentice

Today is a good day to love. Love those you don't particularly care for. Be kind, gracious and good-humored. Your life will be more pleasant. What's love got to do with it? Everything.