Taken by Debbie Virtue

Just like anything else we do, being a loving person requires work. This work is not something we may ever perfect in this life. Becoming a person who loves means becoming a person who takes risks. Love is more than giving a hug, and it is more than acts of service like cleaning a tub.

It means becoming a person who lets down their barriers of pride, their reputation, for the hope of experiencing love. Not a hope as in a wish, but a hope of certainty like early morning chirping birds. It means giving your time, services, and thoughts to others with no strings attached. A free gift necessitates no holding back. It means pouring out yourself without the expectation that the other person will return the act. Cut the scene and believe me. Becoming a loving person is not free. 

We do not want people to like the things we do, and if we did, we would never sleep for it is we who care immensely about we.

We do not want the things we think we do. Things like lounging by the pool trying to impress the passerby by looking fly. We do not want people to like the things we do, and if we did, we would never sleep for it is we who care immensely about we. We do not care about how well we do in something, only how well someone’s perception of us changes because of those things. We try our best to accomplish certain goals, but the object of our affection is not the deed. The object of our affection is that another person whom we care for might express how they care for us as well. 

Still, it is through the things we do that we prove ourselves to be true. For the attention it brings, performing that thing is a safe avenue to test the waters of reciprocated care. We do not want to ask the big question without asking the littles ones first. We are terrified of rejection like “If I ask her how she feels I might end up in an emotional herse.” 

Risk entails return, and the return of love is worth the momentary burn.

A steady stream of consciousness may help you become a loving person. Instead of expecting a negative response you ought to ask. Instead of receiving the fear as reality, step out  into the risk of transparency. Risk entails return, and the return of love is worth the momentary burn. Take heed to my warning. Love is worth waiting for the night to turn into morning. 

Becoming a loving person takes patience. It means going through undesirable scenarios while not becoming irate. It is more than waiting for what you want. It is taking the time to put priorities properly in place.

Becoming a loving person is a journey not a race.