A Little Bit About Love

Today is Colin and my wedding anniversary. I always feel so reflective on these days, thinking about life and what has happened along the way. And naturally, I've been thinking about love and how I really consider it to be one of the greatest gifts we have - the ability to give it with all our hearts.

I remember when I was in the thick of things with the boys, three of them in diapers at the time and one had become quite a turkey. It seemed he just couldn't be tamed and day after day, he was becoming more of a wild thing.

Climbing up onto the dining room table and dangling from the chandelier, sneaking lotion into his bed and proceeding to wipe it all over himself, the bed, and the wall. And so on. I was really at my wits end. And then one day, it occurred to me while talking to my sister-in-law, Allison. I told her I was going to just flood him with love, more than ever before. More holding, more hugging, more attention. More love.

And miraculously, it worked. Such a simple little thing.

He was transformed into the most gentle little soul.

Now today, if you were to talk about love and its special gifts, you'd probably get laughed out of the room. And I think that's sad.

If only we could all just show a little more love, love our children, love our world, and each other, we could change it.

Really we could.

Call your mom and tell her you love her.

Send a note to a friend telling them how much they mean to you.

Bake a pie and give it to your neighbor.

Give your son an extra hug today.

Take your daughter's hand and lead her on a little walk. Tell her what you love about her.

Donate to charity.

Thank your husband for the life you've created together.

Play a board game with your children.

Pay someone a compliment.

And love yourself.

............... and the world will feel your love ................

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Between posts on my website, I document my life on Instagram. You can follow along with me there.

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Comments

[stephany]

LOVE this post.
I completely agree.

[Tammy]

My eyes are misty. Love IS what it's all about, isn't it? Thank you, Serena. ::hug::

[Sally]

Love this Sweet Serena!!!

[Alison]

Just LOVE this post! Thank you so much!

[LoriD]

So true! We can't hear this often enough!!

[Trissa]

I really needed that today....I have this six year old that is my third daughter and she completely baffles me. I'm not sure what she needs and I need to give her love more freely, I think. Thanks for the refocus.

[Kellene]

You have always shown us that this is what you are all about. Your ability to put it all down in words shows how much love you have in your heart! Thank you for sharing and bringing LOVE up on the surface where it belongs.

[Kerstie Pederson]

Yes, love and kindness can change everything! Thanks for this post.

[Stacy ~ Sweet Life Farm ~ Applegate, Oregon]

Joyous Anniversary! Thank you for sharing, beautiful Serena. You are the shining light of pure love, a comforting and inspiring reminder for us all. May the love you give come back to you one hundred times over…and then some!

[Madge @ The View From Right Here]

Very reflective post... 'love never fails...'

[Nicola Dodd]

Beautiful: what a lovely post. Thank you and enjoy your special day x

[Jen Y]

This is so true! Really, when our family was young & attitudes would get bad I'd cancel everything. We'd all stay home & do nothing together. Sometimes we'd get up on a Saturday morning, look at eat each other & say we're taking the day off. No one has to cook or clean, no yard work, no chores.

Of course we had to pay the price the next day ! :o) But it was always worth it. It was never a bad thing to put down work to do something with my child & it still isn't even though he's taller than me now.

[Beki - TheRustedChain]

Awww! Happy day to you, sweet lady.

[Kathy]

I "love" this post, Serena! It seems to me with the internet and social media, such as Facebook, etc., the word "love" is used way too often and in a very casual way. I almost feel like "love" doesn't have the same definition as it did years ago, and maybe younger people have forgotten what it means.
Or am I just getting old?
Thanks much for your inspirational tips!

Kathy
Any chance you're going to do another book?
I'd "love" that! :-)

[blondie blu]

Thank you for that sweet inspiration!!! XO Helena

[sweet cottage dreams]

....so true....when we take the time to nurture, it is felt.

thank you for a heart felt post.

much love,
becky

[junebug furniture and design]

Serena,
Thank you for sharing from your heart! And, Happy Anniversary to you and Colin!

xox Glad & Cel

[Tracy]

Wonderful and wise words.

[Marian Ellison]

These are words to live by Serena. I needed to hear them today. No matter who we are...it's all about love & gratitude. Thanks for this.

[Monica]

So true!! Happy Anniversary.

[Becky Stattelman]

Have not had the time to check on my favorite blog sites in some time. What a great message to enjoy and soak in for my lucky day! We who live in the country have so much upkeep in the summer. My college son is here to visit for a few days. Your message is a good reminder to simply love him and not keep thinking up things that he can help me get done. Bless you on your special anniversary day! beckyredbarn.com

[Jen@thecottagenest]

What a beautiful, heart felt post! I completely agree with every thing you said! Happy anniversary.

[stacey johnson]

Beautiful, and so right on. The world is such a busy place, and everyone is focused on what they need to do, social media, and themselves. Selflessness in the act of loving another is the answer.

[Sarah]

This is one of the truest and most meaningful things I have read in a long time. Blessings to you and your family.

[Val]

I love this post. Happy anniversary! ♥

[Jenni Hazel]

"All you need is love" I really believe you have a gift to bring out the best feelings from some of the most simple and important parts of life. I look forward to reading more, just keep writing and we will be reading. Looking forward to your next book too!
From Jenni Hazel :0)

[Jen]

So true! Just sent to "Howdy" cards to friends, just because.

[Angela]

Wow....I was thinking the same sentiment today. Thank you for writing such a wonderful post. Like Tammy stated above my eyes are misty, too. Thank you, Serena. I'm going to share it with my four children, as well.

[teresa]

Needed this post today- Thank you.
pining this so I remember.

[Tonia]

Needed this post right now as we're entering the "terrible threes". Love is really all we need ~ so sad we don't recognize this enough. Thanks for the reminder & lovely post.

[thoroughlymodernme]

This post couldn't have come at a better time. My 10 year old son always needs a little extra love and hug time. Thanks for the reminder.