Love Beyond Expectations

 Hey there busy brain buddies!

Let's talk about love, the thing about butterflies and heart flutters, the stuff that poets wax lyrical about and that Hollywood movies often portray as the ultimate happily-ever-after. Love is more complex beyond the 5 love languages and in a world inundated with rom-coms, fairy tales and social media, it's easy to fall into the trap of unrealistic expectations about relationships-what love is, how it should be and even how it’s supposed to feel. We're bombarded with images of perfect couples, flawless friendships, and ideal family dynamics. The truth is relationships, like the seasons, go through different phases. There are times of warmth and abundance, where everything feels effortless and beautiful. But there are also times of cold and barrenness, where challenges and conflicts arise and that’s okay. 


Amidst the flurry of red roses and heart-shaped chocolates, it's crucial to remember the importance of setting realistic goals for your relationships, especially during this month of love. While the grand gestures and romantic gestures are delightful, they can sometimes overshadow the everyday realities of relationships. It's essential to communicate your expectations openly and honestly with your partner, friends, and family. Setting realistic expectations helps to foster understanding and mutual respect in any relationship, ensuring that both parties are on the same page. Effective communication acts as the cornerstone of healthy relationships, allowing for genuine connection and emotional intimacy to flourish. So, as you navigate the love-filled atmosphere of February, remember to keep your heart open and your lines of communication clear.


A few things to keep in  mind: 


Communication is Key: Anyone who knows me knows how big I am on communication. It is important to talk openly and honestly with your loved ones. Share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Listen attentively to their perspectives. Although this is easier said than done, healthy relationships thrive on open communication.


Manage Expectations: Let go of the notion of perfection and embrace the beauty of imperfection. Understand that no relationship is flawless, and that's what makes them real and meaningful. Give yourself and others in your life permission to be human!


Practice Empathy: Put yourself in the shoes of others. Seek to understand their emotions and experiences. Empathy fosters deeper connections and strengthens relationships.


Embrace Change: Just as the seasons change, so do relationships. Embrace the ebb and flow of life, knowing that every phase has its own unique beauty and significance.


Cultivate Gratitude: Appreciate the people in your life for who they are, flaws and all. Express gratitude for the love, support, and companionship they bring into your world.


..and while we are still in the month of love and embracing relationships, it is essential to practice some self love. This looks different for almost everyone. Stop pouring into things that give nothing back. If you’re going to give your energy to anything, give it to what’s already working- the people that already love you, the things that show potential and places that make you feel more alive. 


In the end, love is not something you find one day, it's something you learn to see surrounding you already. It is something you heal yourself into being able to fully receive. 



You are loved, you are love.


Love 

B 

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