Loving Through: Doing things for love or out of love

Here is a question to make you think: Do you do things for love or out of love? I know, it makes you think; I love this question because it made me look at myself and the reasons why I do different things in my life. Asking this will change how you think about what you are doing and why you are doing it.

I realized eight months ago I was doing things for love with my kids and not out of love. I tried to fix things, help when it wasn’t wanted, and make everyone happy, but I never succeeded. I was left feeling depleted, used, and aware that I was not helping anyone, especially myself.

How do you know when you are doing things for love or out of love? When you do things for love, you are looking for something in return. Even if it is someone else’s happiness, it is still an expectation. You may think you are doing it with love, but when you do not get the result you were hoping for, that is not love. How would you feel if you were at work and went the extra mile but your boss didn’t notice? Probably not significant, and thinking that you just wasted your time. Well, that is not going the extra mile in love; it was for love. Doing things in love sets you free because you do not care what happens. You know it makes you feel good, and that love is your motivator.

Asking yourself this question helps you build boundaries within your relationships. It gives you an awareness of why you do the things you do, and it will surprise you with what you discover.

When we lead and live in love, we expect nothing because we have everything inside of ourselves. Our job is to give what feels good for us, but with the pure intention of doing it in love. XO-Rach