Catalyst Track: Only Love Today // Day Three

This track comes from Rachel Macy Stafford’s new book, Only Love Today.

 

Only Love Today means . . .

choosing love when it’s so easy to choose criticism, judgment, ridicule, and revenge;

choosing love when it’s not convenient, comfortable, or reciprocate;

choosing love when it feels like there is no love to give;

choosing love because love is a good place to start a new beginning.

 

In this 3 day track, Rachel invites us to pause, reflect and remember the things that matter, the things that sustain in the long run as leaders.

 

Maybe it’s been awhile since you’ve taken a breath. Maybe you have become so enmeshed in your daily schedule as a leader, you are missing out on the ability to spontaneously invest in others. Maybe you have had a hard time receiving the love and care you need to continue serving others.

 

If this describes you (or you think there is a real possibility it could describe you at some point) take the next few days to re-focus. 

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DAY 3:  Building on Love

 

I wear a worn wristband that bears the words Only Love Today. Recently, someone asked me what that phrase meant. Although it began as a mantra to silence to my inner bully, it has become so much more.

 

Only Love Today means . . .

loving yourself right where you are, not when you lose some weight, not when you accomplish this or that, not when you get your life straightened out. It means loving yourself “as is” and offering that same unconditional love to the ones who share your life.

 

Only Love Today means . . .

looking at your child in her mess and mayhem and remembering she’s just a child who learns through her mistakes. It means looking at yourself in your mess and mayhem and remembering you are human—capable of mistakes and worthy of grace, just like your loved ones.

 

Only Love Today means . . .

recognizing the effort it takes to show up on trying days and realizing that you show up. You show up. Even when it’s hard, even when you’re exhausted, even when it would be easier to quit. It means remembering your presence—your mere presence—makes someone else’s day better.

 

Only Love Today means . . .

choosing love when it’s so easy to choose criticism, judgment, ridicule, and revenge;

choosing love when it’s not convenient, comfortable, or reciprocate;

choosing love when it feels like there is no love to give;

choosing love because love is a good place to start a new beginning.

 

REFLECT:

 

Perhaps it’s one of the statements above, or maybe it’s something different, but what does Only Love Today mean for you this week?  Share your experience of reminding yourself of Only Love Today.