Tag: feed your soul

Love 101

By

On April 15, 2025

In Inspiration

We all have one, but few of us even know about it.  It’s something at the core of who we are and influences how we relate to those of significance in our lives.  It’s our love language – the displays by which we feel seen and validated.  “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman identifies the actions and expressions that best feed our souls, and ultimately contributes to our happiness and well-being. 

For some, words of affirmation is their love language – positive expressions of acknowledgement, encouragement, and praise.  For others, it is quality time – the gift of sharing heartfelt conversations and togetherness that brings joy to their hearts.  Additional expressions of love that feed the soul are receiving gifts, physical touch, and acts of service.

In order to maintain a healthy and balanced emotional life, it is important we recognize our own love language, and give ourselves permission to express that need.  It is also important that we discover and respond to the love language of those we are in relationship with, in order to develop and nurture strong and lasting bonds.

Using the word LOVE as an acrostic, consider how love is best expressed to you.  Then ask the question of those who share life’s journey with you.   Maybe “L” would be for loyalty and listening; “O” for openness and observation; “V” for vulnerability and validation; “E” for expressions of love and encouragement.  Whatever your LOVE acrostic may be, share those needs with your significant other, your family, and friends.  In turn, once their love languages are discovered, seek to express your love in ways that best speak to their hearts.

If love truly is the nucleus of our being, and the nourishment of our souls, then we must be diligent to pursue it and willing to express it.    

For more on this topic, please visit the Whimspiration YouTube channel “Faith Hope & Friends”.

Episode 51: Love 101

Enjoy the Ride

By

On March 20, 2024

In Whimsy

The other day I was driving on the freeway.  It was a beautiful sunny day, and people were happy to be out and about after the recent rainfall.  As the traffic flowed, I noticed in my rear view mirror a small car quickly approaching in the lane to my right.  It was a bright Mt. Dew green-ish color convertible – very hard to miss.

As the car passed me, I glanced over to size up the driver.  It was a man, likely in his 50’s or 60’s, wearing a big smile and singing along with the radio.  I grinned to myself, recognizing that he was enjoying the day. 

Then he did something quite unexpected.  He reached his left hand into the air, just above the side mirror, and began piloting his hand in the wind – the wind’s current carrying his hand up and then down again, off to the side and then back.  It was like the path of a roller coaster dipping and diving, twisting and turning.  It made me smile from ear to ear.

As his car sped out of view, I remembered doing that as a kid.  And to be honest, on warm summer nights you’ll find me doing that even today.  But what intrigued me most about this scenario, was that this man was thoroughly enjoying the ride.  With the wind in his hair, a song on his lips, and a playful and uninhibited spirit, he had made joy and pleasure a part of his journey. 

Too often we find ourselves on the freeway of life – caught up in a hurried pace and frustrated by the obstacles that impede our progress.  But what if we could take a moment, breathe deeply, and abandon the self-imposed stress for the sake of enjoying the ride.  Every day is a gift.  Every heartbeat is a blessing.  It is up to us to manage life well – finding ways to experience moments of joy and pleasure.     

Much like this man’s ride, we must create and accept opportunities to soak in the wonder of life and simply engage in it.  So, discover those things that feed your soul, lift your head, let your heart sing, and enjoy the ride.

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