What It Feels Like To Be Loved…
Oooops! Junior slips down a slippery ravine in the Masai Mara family compound.
The whole family get involved. ‘I’ll go!’
‘No Bettina, I’ll go, your hip is still playing you up.’
‘No Lavinia, I’ll do it! I’ll get to him quicker.’
Mom ignores her own risk and gets to frightened Junior eventually…
Back to safety!
Okay, I’ve humanized these beautiful creatures just to make the simple observation that it is not only great to feel loved but just as fruitful to make sure that all the ‘creatures’ in all our lives also know that they are loved, safe and protected at every opportunity. They should know that they have a pride of warrior lions ready to rescue them in a New York minute.
Sometimes our ego, work, thoughtlessness or other things get in the way and we forget that people don’t read minds. They can’t always tell!
For a number of reasons not remotely under my control dear Reader, I do not feel loved right now…more on my dastardly deeds later… and it is not necessary to be made to feel this way. The other alternatives are far sweeter and much preferable…
Love your folks. What could be simpler?
All families are different and we don’t all express familial love like the Waltons or with endless big hugs. Take Michael Jackson’s father the day after Michael Jackson died for example…we all have our quirks.
But the most important thing is to understand that to give love is NOT ABOUT YOUUUUUUUUU!
It is about the person on the receiving end. However you give it or show it, it has to be felt by someone else.
It is not about insisting that you give love, in your own way, because if you have to defend it or describe it… it has not reached the intended.
Simple.
If I send a present and it gets lost in the mail, then the birthday girl or boy hasn’t received it. Period. Despite my good intentions.
Love your folk unconditionally. You chose ‘em! (Unless you are the child in the relationship).
Wrap them in encouragement, support, safety and your undivided interest.
PS. You don’t even necessarily have to lick them!
PPS. My ‘dastardly deeds’ are now uploaded here.
ref:
images: saxrohmer
