Be Nourished by the Love You Give

I have learned over the years, especially with the challenges I have faced with my daughters, to be nourished by the love I give, not by the validation I might receive in return. For so long, my acts, and thoughts, of care and generosity were quietly tethered to a hope for acknowledgment—a sign that my efforts were seen, valued, or reciprocated. But I’ve realized, and  this is an ongoing process, that this mindset places the power of my fulfillment in someone else’s hands, leaving me very often vulnerable to disappointment… and in the case of my daughters the past 3 to 7 years, a guarantee of sadness. Over the past few years I have shifted my perspective, and most importantly, my expectations.

When I offer kindness, understanding, love, support, or just daily good thoughts, I remind myself that these acts enrich my spirit… the feelings are “owned” by me, they live in my heart, and can never be taken away by anyone.

This shift is has not only been freeing, but is has allowed me to endure, and even over time, embrace a general feeling of happiness. It allows me to give without expectation, to pour into others without draining myself. Love, when given freely, becomes a source of nourishment in and of itself—a reflection of the abundance I carry rather than a transaction in search of approval. The more I focus on the joy of giving, the less I rely on external validation to feel whole. This practice requires intention and self-awareness, but with time, it’s helping me build a sense of inner peace and self-worth that doesn’t waver with the reactions of others.

For me it is a form of RETURN ON RELATIONSHIP with myself. Do for others without expectation of anything directly in return. #BeGoodToPeople #JustBeNice… #NoLetUp! 🙌🏻