In this feature I had the pleasure of participating in an insightful podcast episode of Fearless Generations Podcast. Host, Kelly Fox and I dive deep into the profound subject of love, self-care, and its transformative impact on our lives. Join us on this journey as we explore the power of love, the absence of fear, and the importance of self-love and forgiveness.
Step 12: Love – The Highest State of Being
Understanding Love
To me, love is described as the highest state of being. It’s an emotion and an essential need in our lives. I believe true love should be unconditional and free from ownership or control. In today’s world, there seems to be a scarcity of genuine, unconditional love.
The Impact of Fear
Fear is the polar opposite of love, leading to division, control, and manipulation. Many societal issues stem from a lack of self-love and an inability to extend love to others. Conditional love, which requires people to meet certain expectations, is something I find concerning.
Religion and Manipulation
Religious Manipulation
I’ve observed that religious manipulation, especially in fundamentalist settings, often uses fear tactics to control individuals. It’s disheartening to see how far this has strayed from the true message of love in religion, as exemplified by Jesus.
Judgment and Shaming
Our inclination to judge and shame others, often based on superficial criteria, hinders our ability to love unconditionally and empathize with others. Releasing judgments and expectations is essential in fostering love.
Self-Love and Self-Care
The Foundation of Love
I firmly believe that self-love is the foundation for extending love to others. Self-care, as an act of self-love, should be done with genuine intention. Self-care goes beyond surface-level actions like spa days; it’s about nurturing ourselves.
Setting Boundaries
Setting boundaries is a means to protect oneself and practice self-love. Healthy boundaries prevent manipulation and exploitation, enabling individuals to love and respect themselves. Self-love leads to empathy and understanding for others, even when their actions may seem contradictory.
Healing from Childhood Wounds
Understanding Childhood Wounds
Healing from childhood wounds is crucial, as these experiences shape our self-perception. Our caregivers’ influence often affects our self-worth and ability to love ourselves. I believe in learning to provide the love I needed as a child to myself in adulthood.
Forgiveness and Empathy
Forgiving oneself and one’s parents is a crucial step towards healing. Understanding that parents were also on their journeys, dealing with their issues, can help release anger and frustration. Empathy towards oneself and others is essential in this process.
Love Your Way to Success
In this thought-provoking podcast episode, we’ve explored the profound impact of love, the destructive power of fear, and the importance of self-love and self-care. We’ve seen how love can transform our lives, and how healing from childhood wounds and forgiving ourselves and others can pave the way for a more loving and compassionate existence.
If you’re interested in connecting with me, Tamira Hamilton, you can find me on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. You can also reach out to me via email at tamirashamilton@gmail.com.
Remember, love is not just an emotion—it’s a fundamental need that starts with loving yourself. Practice self-care, set healthy boundaries, and embark on the journey of healing and forgiveness. By doing so, you can unlock the incredible power of love in your life.