Simple Ways to Spread More Love
Simple Ways to Spread More Love
Love Connection, Trousers, Hand Holding and Bouillon
My kids and I were sick this week and while I’m not one to welcome any illnesses, it was quite nice for us all to slow down as a family. We went to the beach (salt air is the cure for everything), practiced opinion writing and went through their book collection to find old favorites. I was even inspired to jump on substack and start a podcast. It took me 15 minutes and brought me so much joy. With the exception of needing a home chef (seriously, can we start a program?), I really enjoyed us all being home together with not a lot to do in the outside world. With each passing day, connection becomes the thing I crave even though some days I too need to be reminded to put my phone down. My wish is that we create more room for simple and beautiful moments as we head into a month dedicated to love…
Write
February is all about creating and maintaining deep connections with the people in our lives but there can be obstacles that get in the way of us spending quality time with the people that matter most. To that end, write the name of three people that you love but haven’t spent time with in a while along with once sentence about why they’re important to you. The next step is to reach out to them and actually plan something. Here’s a pro tip. Keep it simple. It could be as easy as a 15 minute phone conversation or a cup of coffee. The key is to put it on your calendar (and theirs). Remember, you like them so give them your undivided attention and soak in every single second of love.
Eliminate
Whether you celebrate Valentine’s, Galentine’s or Familentine’s (okay, that’s not a thing but it could be), this is the season of feeling and looking good. The last thing you need is to get all excited about going out only to be met by pants that no longer fit. Yes. All the jeans, trousers and leggings at the back of the closet, catching dust and making you feel less than is not the vibe. When you open up your closet, it should should greet you with positivity and excitement. Stop holding onto visions of college hips when the curves you have now are fabulous and just waiting for you to notice. If it doesn’t make you feel good, it doesn’t get to stay. Don’t forget to strut your stuff all the way to the donate pile!
Learn
According to a study at the University of Colorado at Boulderby, researchers have determined that holding hands not only amplifies the feelings of empathy between two people but it also acts a way to reduce or relieve pain. One of the head researchers summarized the results in this way: "You may express empathy for a partner's pain, but without touch it may not be fully communicated.”
To take it a step further, more research has been done to show that one person can identify the feelings of the other through touch alone. Sounds like the kind of magic I could get behind. Doesn’t this all make you want to hold hands more? Give it a try and see if you actually feel more calm, comforted and connected. For an added layer of fun, below are a few signals you, your partner (or child) might be subconsciously sending based on the hand holding style chosen. Happy gripping!
Hand Holding Styles
Loosely intertwined fingers: endearment and security
Wrapping hands: strong and protective bond
Firm hold: taking charge in the relationship
Interlaced finger: sense of need and love for the other
Hand on top: feelings of protection for the other
Relaxed interlocked fingers: fun and flirtatious relationship
Holding wrist: passionate relationship
Love
I don’t know about you but soup is the equivalent of warm hugs in our home. We may live in a place that is warm all year round but nothing soothes our souls and reminds us of home more than my favorite lentil soup. I used to season my soups, stews and curries with Maggi cubes but the idea of MSG made me super nervous. I still don’t even know exactly what is it. I just know I don’t need to be taking those types of chances especially with my health history. I can honestly say that I found a tastier and healthier alternative that adds tons of flavor without as much of the salt. One teaspoon of Better than Bouillon seasoning base makes such a difference in my meals and lasts much longer than vegetable or chicken stock in the fridge. A true win-win!
P.S. I’m always looking for ways to better help and serve this community so don’t be afraid to hit reply and tell me one thing you would like to learn about mindfulness and self care this year!
Until next time, live and be WELL!