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Love Well.

11/15/2014

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It's the final post in the Difference Maker series that began HERE! It goes right along with some of the life lessons I have explored in my writing here on this blog and in my book The Difference Maker.

Speak Life. Live Truth. Love Well.

We had a great time looking at what it means to Speak Life to yourself and others. We learned how to harness the power of our words to speak light and life and joy into the lives of others. Next we explored the concept of how to Live Truth.  It's one thing to know what's right and valuable, it's another thing to live it. We looked into issues like hypocrisy, cause-and-effect, and our higher calling.

Now this post will tackle the most important topic of learning to Love Well. When I think of the phrase: Love well, certain words pop into my mind. 

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In my opinion, one cannot Love Well without first learning to speak life and live truth. Those two qualities are the embodiment of the pursuit to Love Well. True love of others, of life, and of self cannot exist without life and truth. Within those three categories of love, there are some specific ways to do it well:

Love of others.
1. Selflessness. This is the most important characteristic in loving others. Putting other people's needs above your own is the proof of selflessness.
2. Empathy. Laugh when they laugh; Cry when they cry. Empathy is a physiological response to the joy and pain of others. 
3. Grace. Grace is a powerful tool because it frees you from the burden of anger and expectations. It allows you to love freely.

Love of life.
1. Abandon. Let go of constraints. Throw your head back and letting the sun warm your cheeks. Feel the wind at your back as you race ahead, not knowing what's at the next turn, but eager to find out. Release.
2. Experiences. Chase new things and enjoy the mysteries of life for yourself. Try new things, taste new foods. Expand your horizons.
3. Gratitude. In all things, be thankful. We are not guaranteed another moment on this earth, so make each one count and let thankfulness fill your soul.

Love of self.
1. Physical health. Taking care of your physical body is the most basic manner of loving yourself. Eat right; move your body; raise your heart rate. And even in this rat race society, make it a priority to get enough sleep. 
2. Strong faith. Statistics show that people with firm beliefs are generally more confident and at peace. Pursue truth and hold tightly to it.
3. Authenticity. If you LOVE yourself, you're not afraid to BE yourself. Live transparently and let people in. 
My call to action for you is to take some time this week to mediate on the words: Speak Life. Live Truth. Love Well. Ask yourself what it will take to achieve those goals as you move about life in the coming weeks and months. Let go of your fear. Embrace life. And move...

Onward!
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    Tony Bridwell is a Partner and Practice Leader for Partners In Leadership with nearly three decades of executive leadership experience. Most recently serving as the Chief People Officer of Brinker International, Tony is a highly recognized thought leader, speaker, and coach in corporate culture, L&D, and human resources, being named 2015 HR Executive of the Year and also receiving the 2015 Strategic Leadership Award .

    A native Oklahoman, Tony, who has three grown children, now resides in Dallas, Texas with his wife, Dee. In addition to being a husband and father, Tony is an active member of his church, where he serves as a Deacon and leadership mentor.

    Tony is the author of two books:
    The Difference Maker: A Simple Fable About Making A Difference In The Life Of Others (August 2013)
    The Kingmaker: A Leadership Story of Integrity and Purpose (June 2016)

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