Love is the Willingness to Give

Celebrating Authentic LOVE, on Valentine's Day!

LOVE is more than just a fleeting emotion or romantic gesture. It's a profound commitment to giving of yourself for the growth and well-being of self and other. By embracing the true essence of love, you not only enrich your relationships but also experience personal growth and fulfillment.


Clearly, we need to find our way back to the true meaning of love; the willingness to GIVE. Embracing this definition can enrich your relationships and bring deeper fulfillment not only on Valentine's Day, but every day of the year.


Let me take you back to this one Valentine's Day that I'll never forget. Picture me in Nepal, living up in this cozy little mountain village. Valentine's Day isn't exactly a big deal there, but I found myself explaining it to a group of curious local boys.


So, there I was, trying to put into words what Valentine's Day is all about. I told them it's a time to show love and appreciation to the people who matter most to you. They were all ears, firing off questions left and right.


Then, one of the boys asked me straight up: "What do people do on Valentine's Day?" I did my best to explain, mentioning the usual stuff like giving flowers, chocolates, or writing poetry or sweet notes —it's about showing love in any way you can.


Fast forward to the next morning, Valentine's day, and I stumble upon these same boys, passing around flowers to each other, flowers they'd picked themselves. It was the sweetest thing! And you know what? I totally forgot to tell them that Valentine's Day is typically for romantic couples. It didn't matter. Because in that moment, those boys captured the true spirit of Valentine's Day better than anyone. They weren't hung up on the romance stuff. They just wanted to spread a little love, plain and simple. It was a beautiful sight to see.


As we gear up for Valentine's Day, make it meaningful, take a page from those Nepali boys' book. Love isn't just about grand gestures or fancy gifts—it's about the little things, the genuine connections, and the acts of kindness that make life sweeter.


Understanding Love as the Willingness to Give

At its core, love revolves around the act of giving without expecting anything in return. It's about nurturing and supporting the growth and well-being of those you cherish. When you prioritize the needs and happiness of others as well as your own, you embody the true essence of love.


The Impact of Giving on Personal Growth

Interestingly, when you give selflessly, you also experience personal growth and fulfillment. By extending kindness and compassion, you cultivate empathy, resilience, and a greater sense of purpose. Love, therefore, becomes a reciprocal journey of growth and connection.


Shifting Focus from Expectation to Generosity

It's easy to get caught up in expectations and obligations. However, true love flourishes when you shift your focus from what you expect to receive to what you can and will give wholeheartedly. By releasing attachment to outcomes, you open yourself to profound experiences of love and connection.


Taking Initiative in Expressing Love

Instead of waiting for love to come to you, take the initiative to express your affection and appreciation for others. Whether it's through a heartfelt message, a genuine compliment, or a simple act of kindness, every gesture has the power to brighten someone's day and strengthen the bonds of love. Let people know they are cared for, thought of, valued.


Observing the Reciprocity of Kindness

As you give generously to others, you often find that kindness and positivity are reciprocated in unexpected ways. The more you sow seeds of love and compassion, the more abundant they become in your life. It's a beautiful reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity and the transformative power of love.


Embracing Thoughtfulness and Authenticity

In our pursuit of authentic love, prioritize thoughtfulness and authenticity in your interactions. Genuine connections are nurtured through sincere gestures and heartfelt expressions of care. By being true to yourself and others, you create a space for deeper intimacy and connection.


Recognizing the Beauty in Others

Love also involves appreciating the unique qualities and beauty of those around you. Instead of focusing solely on flaws or imperfections, celebrate the inherent goodness and potential in each person. By shifting your perspective, you contribute to a culture of positivity and acceptance in your relationships.


The Red Car Theory: Manifesting Positivity

Similar to the phenomenon of noticing more red cars when prompted, your perception of love can be amplified by actively seeking positivity and connection. When you consciously look for exceptional relationships and moments of love, you begin to notice them more abundantly in your life. Amazing people are everywhere, we need to find each other and elevate the experience of love and connection.


Cultivating Exceptional Relationships

Exceptional relationships are built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and unconditional love. Nurture these relationships by prioritizing open communication, empathy, and understanding. By investing time and effort into meaningful connections, you create lasting bonds that withstand the test of time.


Inviting Connection and Celebration

As you celebrate Valentine's Day, extend your love and appreciation beyond romantic partners to friends, family, and community. Embrace the spirit of connection and celebration, honoring the diverse forms of love that enrich your life each day.


Happy Valentine's Day

Join us in celebrating the true essence of love not just on Valentine's day but every day. It’s a culture of kindness, generosity, and authenticity for extraordinary relationships.


Happy Valentine's Day!

Michelle


Come Join the Exceptional Relationships Community.

Focus on building the tree pillars of Love, Trust and Growth!


Spread Kindness and Generosity Wherever You Go!


FAQs

What does it mean to give of oneself in love?

Giving of oneself in love entails prioritizing the needs and happiness of others as well as your own, without expecting anything in return. It involves acts of kindness, compassion, and genuine care for the well-being of others.


How can I cultivate a mindset of generosity and kindness in my relationships?

It begins with a shift in perspective. Focus on what you can give rather than what you can receive, and look for opportunities to express love and appreciation for others through thoughtful gestures and acts of kindness.


Why is authenticity important in relationships?

Authenticity fosters trust, intimacy, and connection. By being true to yourself and others, you create a safe space for vulnerability and honest communication, which are essential for building strong and lasting bonds.


How can I experience positivity and abundance in my life?

Abundance starts with a mindset of gratitude and appreciation. Focus on the present moment, and actively look for opportunities to cultivate joy and positivity in your life,
EVERY DAY!


What can I do to celebrate Valentine's Day beyond romantic relationships?

Valentine's Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all forms of love, including friendships, family, and community. Reach out to loved ones with heartfelt messages, spend quality time together, and express gratitude for the love and support they bring into your life.


Let someone know they matter, they are valued, appreciated, cared for.


Soon, there will be openings in my schedule to work with singles and couples. First, I would like to speak with you about your relationship aspirations.

Book a free, no-obligation 30-minute relationship clarity session and add your name to the waitlist. I will let you know as soon as a space becomes available.


In the meantime, you’ll find many resources on the homepage of my website at www.burnscoach.com including:


· Relationship Self-Assessment

· The Blueprint of Power Couples

· 4 Short Videos Explaining the Path to Exceptional Relationships

· Insight Filled Blog Posts


To Your Brilliant Future,

Michelle


Transformative Coaching, since 2001


I'm the Author

Michelle Burns

Welcome to The Presence Perspective, where we explore the transformative power of presence in every aspect of life—especially relationships.


With a rich background in coaching, personal development, and leadership, I’ve seen firsthand how most relationship struggles aren't about what's broken but about what's missing: essential skills.


Developing these relationships skills directly impacts the quality of our relationships and the quality of our lives.


Through this blog, I invite you to explore the transformative power of being fully present and discover how it can lead to deeper connections, greater fulfillment, and a more vibrant life.


Stay Curious, BE Exceptional!




Book a Free, No Obligation Clarity Session Below


ALIGNED & AFFLUENT

Michelle & Cheryl Burns


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