Hey sis!
Since we just wrapped up “The Month of Love,” I encourage you to reflect on your February and try to identify several ways in which Love showed up for you recently.
The 4-letter-word itself is so overused yet undervalued in today’s world. And I truly believe we need to revive its greatness! We must intentionally seek opportunities to sow, share, and submit to Love when we encounter it. Ponder these:
SELF LOVE
First and foremost, when you look in the mirror… what do you see? WAIT. Are you listing your blemishes? Stop that. Moles, stretchmarks, scars, and extra skin all make you, YOU! So, let me rephrase… “WHO do you see?” She’s confident, wise, devoted, nurturing, ambitious, thoughtful, innovative, wealthy, and understanding. Right? SELF LOVE is probably the most difficult type to extend; hence, why I mentioned it first. Sometimes we need a ‘push’ to even incorporate loving ourselves into our routines—be it alone time, solo travel, or (dare I say) counseling. (Yes, healing is one major way we say ‘I love you’ to our nervous systems!) This type is worth mentioning first because in order to identify all the ways in which Love has shown up for you—you must remember to be your own ((biggest)) cheerleader!
SPIRITUAL LOVE
The second type of Love I encourage you to look for… is probably the most controversial: SPIRITUAL LOVE. Who or What do you believe is guiding you through day-to-day life? When you open your eyes in the morning or survive devastating blows throughout life—where do you assign the credit? When you go outside for fresh air, or lay your head on your pillow at
night—do you feel like you’re being held closely by a higher being?
FAMILIAL LOVE
Who do you consider “Family”? Those in your household? Lineage? Inner circle? FAMILIAL LOVE refers not only to those who are related to you by blood or marriage, but moreso describes those who hold special places in your heart. The people you spend holidays with. The names you list first when creating guest lists for your birthday, graduation, business opening,
wedding, baby shower – those who are by your side through thick and thin! This is Type #3 which is probably the easiest to pinpoint yet the one that continues to evolve the most, as you assign and re-assign specific roles to the people you adore!
PLATONIC LOVE
Sometimes friends can offer you familial love; and sometimes, they are simply friends. You love them, but your lifestyles and schedules don’t necessarily intersect. You update them about what’s happening in your life, but wouldn’t necessarily call them in an emergency. In other words, the main reason you love these people is due to the mutual understanding of wanting the best for each other. There’s an undeniable affection that you share; however, there’s no romantic attraction or desire. PLATONIC LOVE can be the most balanced, low-maintenance bond in your life: That “pick up where we left off” type of love!
ROMANTIC LOVE
Well, well, well… we’ve reached that hot, spicy, unrelenting, “Can’t live without you” type of connection in your life: ROMANTIC LOVE. With various relationship norms and marriage ‘types’ these days, the source from whom/where you seek romance can evolve throughout your life.
Right now, in this moment, which bond(s) makes you feel sexy? Is it your roster or your spouse? For whom do you say to yourself, “I have to go shopping! I can’t wait to buy new___ for my __”? This is Type #5 which is likely the most intense, highest-priority relationship in your life. Whether you’ve solidified this connection through soul ties or silver wedding bands, there’s MUCH at stake if this bond were to discontinue. Romantic Love involves some form of commitment, plenty of compromise, and ahem effective communication when compared to any of the other types!
THE WORD BETWEEN ‘I’ AND ‘U’
By no means is this list (and its examples) all-inclusive. YOUR sources of Love are just that– YOURS. Some of us seek companionship from our pets. Some of us need interaction with our clients to feel valued. We may also pursue opportunities in our local neighborhoods, youth programs, and community organizations just to experience unconditional love. ((Honorable
Mention—The Love of “Stuff” because we all have those ‘things’ we do or buy, that help us pour into ourselves or others, i.e. vacations, food, jewelry, food, pedicures, new shoes, concerts, FOOD, etc.))
My hope is that you use this list as a baseline, not a benchmark for all the ways in which Love enters and flows throughout your life. February may have ended, but your ‘love’ story—ALL chapters—continues to be written each day!
Live well. Love well. Stay well.
Yours truly,
Shay, xo
PS. Here are some resources that may help you look for more “warm and fuzzy” moments within your everyday life:
The 8 Different Types of Love + The Perfect Combo for You
8 Different Types of Love Explained
11 Different Types of Love in Relationships and Their Indicators
Shaina is an enthusiastic (yet sarcastic) momma and professional, a natural comedian, and a lifelong fashionista! She enjoys all things Jesus, sunflowers, brunch, live music, and wine-related. In her free time, she’s usually planning events or carving out quality time with loved ones!! Shaina is a huge advocate of staying “blessed, not stressed, and well-dressed”! Her journey of self-discovery has been nothing short of a rollercoaster; and now she’s riding with her arms in the air while trusting God to move her in the right direction.
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Psalm 46:5 | God is within her; she will not fall
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