Redefining Love: The Ultimate ROI
“Nourishing yourself in a way that helps you blossom in the direction you want to go is attainable, and you are worth the effort.” ~ Deborah Day.
Why do so many of us feel like investing in ourselves is less valuable than what we release into the world and the lives of others?
I don't believe we say this out loud on the surface level. It is in our actions that we tend to reflect our true feelings about this. When we put the needs and feelings of others before our own or, worse, before our Creator, we are ultimately saying without words that everyone else is worth the effort.
Remember the sayings, “Actions speak louder than words” or “Saying is different from doing”?
After we’ve developed this habit, it becomes more and more challenging to break free of it.
Ultimately, this is tied to people-pleasing. Coming from a recovering people-pleaser, I can tell you without reservation that nourishing myself has brought way more return on investment than pouring outward to others. Not that investing in my children has been a poor investment—quite the contrary! But investing in my healing, growth, happiness, peace, and prosperity intersects with investing in my children’s futures. We have to stop thinking we can give what we don’t have.
“Self-care is how you take your power back.” ~ Lalah Delia.
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” ~ Audre Lorde.
This week, as we continue our discussion about Strategic Living and the KLB Strategy (Know. Love. Be. Transformed), we are focusing on LOVE. All the love. God’s love. Self-love. Love for who you are and what you do in this world. Love for the people you encounter. Love for the beautiful world we live in. Love for a society—good and bad—that makes us who we are.
It sounds like a “Kumbaya” love fest, but it’s not. Love manifests itself in ways other than the warm and cuddly, rainbows, and Care Bears type of way.
Love also shows up as Diversity, Inclusion, Acceptance, Equality, Equity, Grace, Compassion, Forgiveness, Purpose-Driven Work, Self-Respect, Well-being, Self-Care, Service unto others, Continuous Development and Growth, Empathy, Ethical Practices, Social Responsibility, Collaboration, Mentorship, Servant Leadership, People-Focused Interactions, and more.
No matter where you work or conduct business, there is an opportunity to showcase God’s love, to love yourself unconditionally and patiently, and to exuberate that outward to others.
Remembering that all of us are human creations, instinctively flawed, is an excellent reminder to be patient, understanding, and open to service. This reflects God’s love and His intention for humanity.
If all we ever truly need is to be seen and heard, like the Lord expects us to offer Him daily, then it really can be that simple. We really could focus on that aspect of our existence. Perspective is everything and everywhere. Everyone has an opinion, even more so in the social media era. We are bombarded with perspectives throughout the day, even our own thwarted perspectives. Many times, those perspectives are not stemming from the core belief and intention of love.
I encourage you this week to get back to the basics. Lauryn Hill sang in X-Factor (one of my favorite songs ever), “It could all be so simple, but you'd rather make it hard.” That’s us as humanity. If we (KISS) Keep It Simple Stupid, focus our perspectives on being seen and heard, and offer this same privilege to others no matter who they are and how different they are, I think this awareness and intelligence will make life better, us better, and interactions among our fellow humans better.
We’re flawed, imperfect beings for sure. Not that I ever think we could reach a perfect resolution to our problems of humanity. God’s Word never promises us a life without issues, battles to fight, or storms to weather. I assure you that if we follow His lead in depending on and trusting Him, surrounding ourselves with others for support, and fortifying our love, knowledge, and acceptance of our unique selves, we will fight, weather, and overcome much more victoriously.
Think about it!
Continue the conversation with me on my podcast this coming Saturday at 10 am EST. I’ll be talking about this topic along with my special guest.
Tell me what you think about this on my social profiles or join me Friday night to discuss during the “Connect and Ask Nikki” Zoom.
Have a beautiful week and remember to be Strategic, Transformed, and Empowered. It’s your choice.
Nikki
