Do you know that the love you give reflects your innermost self, a manifestation of your deepest values and emotions?
Do you know it’s not just about grand gestures or fleeting moments of passion, but about the consistent, everyday actions that show care, understanding, and respect?
Do you know love is not just a simple word?
No wonder LOVE is always debated, especially when “Love is not enough” started trending.
I was part of that debate at the time. I was against the motion, “Love is not enough” and I had my reasons.
I’ve realised we all have different definitions of Love. And that might be the reason for the constant debate.
After much deliberation and analysis, I have concluded that it is impossible to give what we don’t have.
This writing does not intend to rubbish your personal perception of LOVE.
Of all the known characteristics of Love, I have two favourites – Patience and Selfless
These two summarise and simplify the other characteristics.
The love you give should be patient, willing to listen and understand rather than judge. It is kind, offering support and encouragement even when it might be easier to criticise. This love forgives, recognising that everyone makes mistakes and that compassion is more powerful than resentment.
The love you give should be selfless, often putting the needs and happiness of others before your own, yet it also knows the importance of self-care and boundaries. Selfless love is honest, communicating openly and truthfully, building trust and a deep sense of security.
Ultimately, the love you give is a gift that shapes not only the lives of those you care for but also your own, fostering growth, connection, and a profound sense of fulfilment.
“You can’t give what you don’t have” is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care and self-love. To truly offer love and support to others, you must first cultivate those qualities within yourself.
Here’s an exploration of this concept:
-
- Self-Awareness: Understanding your own needs, desires, and boundaries is crucial. Self-awareness allows you to recognise what you have to offer and what you need to work on within yourself.
-
- Self-Love: Loving yourself isn’t about vanity or selfishness. It’s about appreciating your worth and treating yourself with the same kindness and respect you would offer a loved one. When you have a reservoir of self-love, you can share it abundantly with others.
-
- Emotional Health: Maintaining emotional well-being is essential. If you’re carrying unresolved pain, resentment, or stress, it can be challenging to provide genuine support and love to others. Prioritising your emotional health helps you be a stable and nurturing presence.
-
- Boundaries: Knowing and respecting your limits prevents burnout and resentment. Healthy boundaries ensure that you can give love and support without depleting your resources.
-
- Continuous Growth: Personal growth is an ongoing journey. By continuously learning and evolving, you enhance your capacity to give. Whether it’s through education, self-reflection, or seeking therapy, growth enriches your ability to connect with and support others.
Thus, the love you give is deeply intertwined with the love you have for yourself. By nurturing your own heart and soul, you ensure that the love you offer to others is genuine, sustaining, and transformative.
So next time you say LOVE is not enough, ask yourself what kind of love you give and if you give yourself enough love first. Whatever your answer turns out to be would determine how you deal with the issue of LOVE.
The ultimate question remains, WHAT IS LOVE?
Very profound perspective.
Thank you o.
I’ve had countless discussions/arguments with the “LOVE is not enough” geng 🤦🏽♂️
They often end up adding qualities that are actually characteristics of love itself.
Let me goan share this, my own caption would be,
“ rubbish that your personal perception of LOVE, because LOVE is always enough. 💀
It’s sad that a lot of people think love is just feelings. Love is a premium package and not some 7-days trial/basic subscription.
Love has many characteristics. And Love will always be enough.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
This is a thought provoking read, love is indeed shown in everyday actions not just grand gestures. The idea that you can’t give what you don’t have really resonates. Self-love and emotional health are essential for offering genuine love to others. A reminder that love starts within.
Very true. Hopefully people understand this concept and maybe love can get better in their heart.
Thank you.
Very well said. The concept of love is indeed a complex one. It could exist as a feeling driven by emotions, hormones on different levels e.g children, siblings, friendship, intimacy. It is also a choice – a decision to serve and lay one’s self down for a cause.
I see love as a garden which could be tendered or neglected. The effort determines the outcome. Be it in self or in a relationship. In the relationship context, love is a journey of 2 not of 1.
Love is indeed a premium package. You just have to be selfless