Tag: christmas

A Love Manifesto for Christmas

I’ve discovered over time that most of the cliches about love we recite earned their status as “tried and true” phrases for a reason. They hold weight and worth that can’t be disputed, including the reality that choosing to unconditionally love yourself helps you authentically love others.

This doesn’t mean it’s easy – especially in a world that tells us we’re not smart enough, thin enough, wealthy enough, and in some cases, fair-skinned enough. Those outer voices often can - and do – drown out the truth.

It’s for this very reason that we must dig in the heels of our hearts and stare back at the face in the mirror with compassion and empathy, time and time again. We must acknowledge whatever flaws we think we see, smile at them and bless them. We must gaze into those tender eyes we own and tell ourselves that we are worthy of being seen and heard because we matter.

Try it and try again, until this rinse and repeat cycle shifts from feeling like an awkward exercise into a steady and welcomed recognition that resonates within. Because you can, and should, love yourself with abandon.

When the process gets off track, do a personal reset and keep growing. You’ll be compelled to summon the courage to love yourself, and as a result, others up close. You’ll also find yourself accepting the need to sometimes love others from afar.

The key to your mastery? Making the choice to never give up on you, and to always lead with l​ove, and with an open ​ heart.

Holiday Gifts That Matter Most

Remember in this season of giving (and getting) that it’s the seemingly little things that matter most:
– Calling friends or loved ones simply because they cross your mind
– Offering words of encouragement when someone needs them most
– Giving random hugs to remind those you care about that they’re valued
– Listening fully
– Praying fervently
– Laughing with, not at, someone
– Crying with, rather than for, someone
–  Making time, even when you’re busy
– Telling the truth with sincerity and love (often it’s not what you say, but how you say it that makes all the difference)
– Walking in integrity, and in doing so, showing others the way
– Granting yourself grace, so that others learn that skill, too
– Loving yourself best so that you can truly love others better. For when your heart is full and you’re confident about who you are, what you stand for and how you’re called to serve in this world, you can easily open doors, hold hands and make room for others to flourish, too.
I’m sure there’s more. What intangible, yet powerfully valuable treasures will you add to your gift-giving list this year?
– Stacy Hawkins Adams 
Stacy Hawkins Adams blog