LOVE

LOVE is a really big word, with many many meanings.  Some even say it is a word way over used... but... being one of those who over use the word LOVE... I just LOVE saying LOVE!  In fact I just LOVE LOVE in general and I feel like LOVE is actually an entire language in itself.

Just this very morning I had to have a couple of conversations with loved ones to explain another loved one's love language.  And as a mother I tend to be the 'go to' person when one sibling's love language needs to be explained to another sibling... in fact, I referred to myself as the family "google" source.... meaning... when any one has a question about any of my daughters or family members... I get the first phone call, FB message, and/or text to get the information sought... just like you would google the internet to find answers to any question.

It is very easy among members in a family to be misunderstood when communicating and sometimes it just takes a bit of love language explaining to settle sensitive feelings.  And in this day of technology and communication via texting, face booking, and emailing... the written word doesn't show facial expressions or tone of voice... thus the written word can at times be taken out of context and misunderstood.  But on the up side.... this technology kind of communication is wonderful for keeping in touch with many many loved ones and friends at one time without taking up large amounts of sit down time needed for phone conversations and/or person to person conversations.  Not that those voice to voice/person to person times aren't needed or deeply appreciated when they occur... but let's face it... today every one is super busy with family and business matters and those voice to voice/person to person moments become a rare treat instead of the normal way to keep in touch.

But back to the actual word LOVE.  When I use (or over use) that word, it's because I feel VERY strongly about the person, place or thing I am talking about, and find that LOVE is truly the only word that fits my excitement, enjoyment, and/or appreciation for whatever it is I'm talking about.  I LOVE my family and friends... I LOVE traveling... I LOVE reading, and I LOVE certain authors and books... I LOVE tea, I LOVE trying different kinds of tea... I LOVE being outside, and I LOVE HOT HOT HOT sunny warm weather!... I LOVE cooking... there are more things in life that I LOVE than those I don't much care for.  I LOVE that I have a positive "Pollyanna" personality and I LOVE that I try hard to' pay it forward' and 'pass it on' with positive thinking as much as I possibly can on any given day, to as many people I possibly can.

For sure I have down days and things that annoy me sooo much that I actually find the word HATE fits better... but... I really try hard to use, or even think of the HATE word as sparingly as possible.  I much more enjoy enjoying the little things that others do for me, or with me everyday that I recognize as their particular LOVE language.  Such as.... a stranger holding a door open for me, friends/family who call, text, or message me asking how I am or how my family is doing... my husband putting new sheets on the bed and having the house clean and tidy for me when I return home from when I've been away on a trip... getting unexpected "happy mail" in the mailbox... people waving to me as I pass by in the car... just simple every day things that people do (strangers as well as friends/family) to show they are either thinking about me, or that they too are trying to pass on the general sense of good will.  I notice every deed, smile and gesture from others and those deeds, smiles, and gestures encourage me to continue to 'pay it forward' and 'pass it on' to others I come across in my day.

LOVE is a very tender language that comes with very tender feelings.  It is my most favorite word ever!  So what if I over use it... isn't it better to over use the word LOVE than the word HATE!!??  Doesn't the word LOVE give you an instant thought of something happy and cherished?... Well it does for me... and I for one will continue to over use the word LOVE and not ever feel guilty about doing so.  The LOVE word to me is an instant smile... and I'll take a smile every chance I get... and the smile lines/wrinkles that come with it.

With much LOVE... Chef V