Leaning into love is the hardest thing ever, especially when it’s not reciprocated.
Yet, I stand by my Monday declaration of intending to lead with love – including self-love, and even when it seems impossible.
In choosing love, I am choosing to see clearly, yet not give bitterness a foothold.
For hate causes rot,
meaningful words, actions and impact cannot flow.
My aim is to keep my purpose and the people counting on me – especially the youngest ones looking up to me – top of mind.
Our children and young adults need help seeing and valuing a personal and communal north star. Our grandchildren or unborn children’s children need “north star opportunities” to still exist when it’s their turn to dream, do and be.
So even in a divided land,
the way forward includes
a surrender to love.
If you’ve ever tried it, you know that sometimes surrendering to what may seem to be “the soft way” actually requires the utmost strength.
I have stood before at a crossroads of hurt, heartbreak and unsure footing that led to a fork in the road.
My choices were a bitter path of ugly discord that some would have deemed understandable
or
a path that would require patient persistence in honoring my values, holding a vision for my desired future and telling the truth (with love) even when uncomfortable, in order to keep growing.
I chose the latter route,
and even then,
amid tears, prayers, sometimes anger and a shifted worldview,
I stood firm in the worth of my own humanity,
and I sought to honor the love guiding me and
still being poured into me,
so that I could rise another day,
nurture those around me a little more,
and remember that my life,
my right to live with hope and joy,
and my very being
are not a fluke.
We were made for love and to love.
Today, I encourage you to look in the mirror and tell the face staring back at you, “It’s okay. I love you.”
Close your eyes so you can feel it, and tell yourself, “I am better than hate.”
Inhale and exhale, and declare, “I am worthy of all good things, and even when I must speak up, set new boundaries or say no to harmful things, I will remain rooted in love.”
From this determined stance, set a course of self-care and thoughtful giving, and nurture the relationships that honor the best of you, so that years from now, you’ll gratefully experience the fruits of your investment.
Still Unfolding with Stacy Hawkins Adams 