Bringing Balance to Life: Loving Others

A flash of enthusiasm, the excitement of anticipa­tion, a spark of kindness, a hearty laugh---these emotions make us more real to others…and more loving. Believing that we are lovable encourages us to step out in faith, meet other people, take risks, and do something for someone. When we love
others we become loved in return which increases our self-acceptance. Give to others and we give to ourselves. Sow love and we reap love. Altruism provides joy that increases health and well-being.

How can we become more loving?: 

• By bringing encouragement, optimism, and hope to all that we meet. 
• By helping others feel comfortable in our presence. 
• By spreading joy and goodwill. 
• By being concerned about the wishes and desires of others. 
• By understanding, car­ing, accepting, and forgiving. 
• By becoming more con­cerned about helping others and less interested in our individual desires.

Loving others means wishing them well, just as we wish ourselves well. Here are some ways to wish others well:

• Treat others the way you would like to be treated. 
• Instead of criticizing others, remember that you are imperfect, too. 
• Refuse to say anything bad about anyone, even if what you say is true. 
• Decline to participate in gossip. 
• Find something good in everyone. 
• Don't complain about others. 
• Praise honestly and sincerely. 
• Say "Thank you"----a lot. 
• Smile----a lot.
• Become genuinely interested in others. 
• Listen more than you talk. 
• Make the other person feel important, sincerely. 
• Always avoid arguments. 
• Avoid sarcasm or put-down humor. 
• Try to see things from the other's point of view.

Here's to friends:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSZ3VdiuXpE