“My Love is mine to give and share, and it is also mine to redirect to, or away from someone, some place, or something.

The same way I chose to give it, I can choose to redirect it back to myself, and then elsewhere when I so please. It is mine to steward.

So I won’t feel dis-empowered by the lack of reciprocity of Love from someone or somewhere I’m directing love to, when I can decide to shift focus and redirect my love I so freely give, back to myself, or where I deem fit.”

The pain about not feeling as loved as we’re loving, comes from us choosing to identify and define ourselves by the value other people place on us by how they choose to love or not love us rightly. So, by that standard, if we feel loved by them, we think of ourselves as worthy and valuable. And if we feel neglected and unappreciated, we think of ourselves as not enough, when, in actuality, the way people Love and treat others and show up, is a reflection of their character and personality structures, alongside their exposures, experiences, values, and all that make up their perspective on life.

So, how does anyone constantly behaving in a certain way say much about you instead of them? So much so that we reflect their attitude on ourselves and then define ourselves by their actions towards us?

Why should they get away with being poorly adjusted or poorly behaved and being defined by that, while we get to bear the burden of seeing ourselves through their poor lenses and defining ourselves by that, just because we chose to love them?

No way! We are first who we are, and then we do what we do because of who we are.

In that sense, we love them because we are lovers, believers, good, kind, considerate, thoughtful, empathetic, and so on. And they show up selfishly, manipulatively, narcissistically, arrogantly, egotistically, and so on, because that’s what they’ve allowed to grow on the inside of them.

So, in the same way you chose to love them, you can choose to redirect that love back to yourself if the situation demands that. Your love is yours to give, share and steward. And part of the responsibility of loving, is to LOVE YOURSELF.

So think of all the love you’ve shared to them and to others, and think of how much good you’ve done and how patient you’ve been, and so on, and realize that you are simply a beautiful soul, an amazing human being, and that God loves you, and He loves your heart, and that you are a gift to your world. It doesn’t matter who doesn’t recognize it, remember, that’s who they are – shortsighted. That’s not you. You are full of Love and Light! You know what is good and you allow good grow in you.

And as you begin to see your good, start to think of your gifts and skills and how you can enjoy them for yourself first, no matter in what little amounts you can. Do you know how to sing? Start singing again and enjoying your voice. Do you love writing? Start enjoying to write. Is it cooking? It’s time to cook some things you love or try out new recipes, no matter how lean your budget might be, and enjoy your meal. You like to dress up and look good? Or you love working out? Whatever it is that you love that you can begin to do from where you are, get back to it. And when you’ve enjoyed it enough, at the right time, it would begin to find expression to bless others.

Don’t forget your loved ones. The ones who see you. The ones who know what Love means and have proven it over and over to you. The ones who wouldn’t judge you for your mistakes and poor choices. Get in a constant flow of communication with them. If you severed ties or burned bridges, it’s time to be vulnerable, swallow pride or shame, and reach out.

And then ultimately, turn your eyes unto Jesus. Turn your heart to your Creator. Build your knowledge and fellowship with Him. He is your Father. Enjoy Him. He loves it. Talk to Him, no matter how repetitive or tiresomely, or sad you feel. He gets it. He gets you. And He will renew your strength, your hope, your peace, your spirit and your joy.

Never forget, your love is yours to give, to share and to steward. And you can always redirect it back to yourself, and to wherever you deem fit. And remember that no matter how hurtful a person or situation has been to you, with time and the right focus and attention to heal, you will. It’ll get better with time.

Stay Blessed!

Cheers.