As the year starts to unfold, I’ve had a chance to reflect on the most important times I had in 2010. What struck me this weekend as I thought about my year was that my “best memories” were dominated by the time I spent with those I love.
Over the holiday, I also watched a lot of other people carefully. I tried to see who were the really happy people — and why that was. I also looked for the miserable souls, and try and understand what created that sad reality for them.
And I realized a very profound thing about this thing called “love” that few people talk about .. but most people desperately crave.
In today’s economic environment, it seems like almost everyone is fixated on “money”. How to make it, how to get more, and how to keep what they’ve got. Yes, money is important, but this holiday season gave me the chance to reflect on what’s infinitely more important.
I turned myself into a real “people watcher” this holiday season, and what I realized is that even though “love” is not something that a lot of people talk about with each other — at least not like money and wealth — it’s actually the oxygen that allows us all to really live into who we are, and feel alive.
I spent most of the holiday with my amazing wife Raylene, and my 2 year old son Cooper (turning 3 in April).
On a daily basis, he literally minds me what life is all about.
Every day, he has one goal – to live in that moment, and to learn something new. He’s constantly exploring, questioning, and wondering. It truly is a gift to watch.
Even though so many people are fixated on money, finances and wealth these days, it was a great reminder for me to focus on the single most important element in our lives.. and that is love.
I don’t mean love in the sappy, fluffy way that it’s often used. I mean the deep, authentic connection with other human beings.
In fact, it’s this connection with others that I think most people are desperately craving.
All of today’s technology has disconnected us, and left us all on our own little islands. Text messages, voicemail, email and resorting to calling strangers “friends” on Facebook .. well, it’s kind of a sad state of affairs.
I entered 2011 with a much clearer sense of importance about connection with others.
How easy it is to “get busy” and forget about the little things. But I made a commitment to myself that I was going to focus more on relationships and creating more love in my life in 2011. How about you?
Part of what set upon this path is that in December, I was blessed to speak on stage alongside one of my beloved colleagues, Marci Shimoff. I first met her when I invited her to speak at one of our events a few years ago, and I’ve always adored her since.
You probably know her name from being the #1 New York Times best-selling author of “Happy For No Reason”. She’s also sold more than 14 million books, and is the largest selling female co-author of several Chicken Soup For The Soul books.
She wrote a new book all about love, called .. as you might guess .. “Love For No Reason“. She kindly sent me a copy and I think it’s the kind of help that a lot of people need in today’s world.
Today is the day that it goes on sale, and if you’re feeling like you need more love in your life, I would enthusiastically recommend that you pick the book up for yourself, or anyone in your life that needs a new perspective of love. You can read about it and order the book here: http://www.TheLoveBook.com.
I don’t get anything from telling you about the book — the reason I am is because I went through a number of shifts as I learned from Marci (which I always do), and I believe that if everyone were to really focus on creating more love and abundance in their life, we’d all be a lot happier as a society.
As I observed over the holidays, people that don’t have love in their life are bound to be unhappy, overweight, anxious and depressed. As soon as you start to apply the simple principles of bringing love and fun into your life, it’s incredible what things start to shift, almost magically.
So, unless you think you have too much abundance and love in your life, check out Marci’s book!
And let me know what you think about it if you order it.
Is love important in your life?
Have you made it important?
Post a comment and let me know what you think!]]>
30 Responses
HI Greg, i really look forward to reading everything you send my way. Money has always seemed to control a certian part of my life and therefore have lost lots of love. I am a single Dad and also have a beautiful little girl in my life that seems to wake me up now and again about what life should be all about. Money is important and hard to deal with sometimes when there is not much hanging around. I look forward to love everyday because in the end I know money is not going to make me happy. I also know that i want to make lots of it so i can not feel so bogged down with bills all the time. Thanks again Greg
This blog entry …
Isn't it other way of expressing what Bon Jovi tries to say singing “What do you got”?
🙂
The next shift of awareness is probably awaiting if ALL of the kids leave the house and live fully on their own maybe far, far away, maybe in need of financial support only …
Great post!
Love IS what makes the world go round. The lack of Love is what brings things to a halt/or leads to the type of tragic events we are all to familiar with. A subject we all have some notion of/but spend way to much time on things other than one of THE most important subjects – that factors in to almost everything that we do.
Thanks for the tip on the book. Have enjoyed many of Marci's other writings/and her story too.
Wishing all the very best year yet, 2011!
Thanks Greg, for me this was nice to be reminded about not being so fixated on the stress of the business. It can really make a person lose site and be disconnected from others.
Great post Greg…
As a conscious wealth mentor, the first thing I explain to clients is that authentic wealth has little to do with money and much more to do with connection to spirit or our higher selves. Another word or spirit? Love 🙂
Connection to spirit automatically creates an attraction to better relationships, health and wealth.
Filling ourselves with love first before trying to express love will create a more sustainable energy, preventing us from burn out.
This path requires courage so having people like you lead the way, eases the journey for others.
With thanks and blessings
” target=”_blank”>http://www.karenscottboyd.net
Light, love and peace
Putting this on my wish list. I have a number of books as Christmas gifts that I want to catch up on. We have Happy for no Reason and it is an excellent book as well! Thanks Greg
AMEN, Greg! {now you're talking my language and what I, too, am realizing about life}.
2010 was definitely NOT my 'financial' year (as you well know–haven't earned a penny in over 12 months now, 2 properties lost to foreclosure, and a pending bankruptcy), but it's been such a blessing to go through this 'financial disaster 'so I could really see what matters in life–and that is the relationships we have with OUR SELF and then with others.
My “Christmas Miracle” was to fly back to Cincinnati to spend the holidays with my parents–something I haven't done in over 5 years. All that mattered to me was that I would be able to spend time with them–not many gifts at all this year, but it was truly a blessed Christmas because of the time spent together . How do you put a price on those memories? You don't. You can't.
I've now had 7 people refer Marci's book to me, so I will be reading it soon!
Thank-you for talking about something else besides 'building businesses and making money.' I knew it was in you 😉
Great to hear from you Kerry, and glad that you're pushing forward!
well…not so much 'pushing' anymore, but allowing. Surrendering instead of controlling. I'm finally realizing the difference, and WOW does it make a difference!
I attended this event as well and loved Marci's presentation of her new book. What an important contribution to humanity! Love is very important in my life. It gives my life real meaning.
Mismo que leo ingles con dificultad. , el mensaje sobre el tema del AMOR, como el “oxigeno” de neustras vidas es algo a lo que debemos poner atencion y considerar que realmente es lo mas importante cuando compartimos AMOR de distintas maneras, con otras gentes.
Sinceramente,
Alfredo Rondon
Great post! Love is really the glue that holds everything together. That's all we really want at the end of the day. Will check out this book, sounds very interesting.
I am pleased that you understand all that really matters in life is that we love unconditionally and that when we give something to people it must be from a position of true caring for their well being.
i agree 100% but I had forgotten it :0(
Love- and the family and friends who make it possible in our lives are indeed what our moments and memories are made of. These are what add peace and meaning to life even in the absence of a similar fulfilment at work.
You would not remember who won the olympic gold when you were in grade IV, but you do remeber the wonderful teacher who made you feel special the same year. You would not remember the Nobel Laureate for when you were in grade VI, but you do remember the great friendship that defined your moments then.
Love and money are not for comparision… they are for completion.
Bravo Greg,
You are so correct.
Like so many others I crave financial independence and the choices it provides, however, it is so easy to get swept up in consumerism and the whole economic growth at all cost mentality.
I'm writing a book at present which is very much related to waking up to the importance of love and connection and the role it plays in every part of our life including money.
And yes it is amazing to see the shift when we let go of the controlling and consumer related crap we are bombarded with and embrace the magic within and around us.
Hi Greg,everytime I get another pitch from someone who has
“found” the secret and has turned round their previously desperate
life,I follow the link,because I live in hope that one day I will
get through the part about how amazingly this one,previously
unknown technique has changed everything about there world,and how
it could change mine too…and my heart is saying..go on..if this
has done it for you, if you know it could help the countless
miserable beings you say it can, dont you just want to share it
with the world,in these dark days.but no,almost inevitably,to get
this life changing wisdom..click the link to get this bargain
discount price. what price is love ? would you charge those you
love,if you truly thought you knew something that honestly would
change there lives for the better. I would like to suggest a new
structure for those out there who genuinely wish to help,and i’m
not charging for this information either,because like most of the
secrets people try to sell you,its been out there a long time. I
will credit it to the vipassana meditation movement,because to date
they seem to be the only people that get this. if you have a
technique,hither-to unknown process,magic-bean,and you really feel
it could help the world..give it out for free,I mean really free,by
all means have a donate button,but make this clear..if this helps
you,please donate whatever you can,on the principle that you want
to pay for others to get this information,because your doing it out
of love. you wont make a quick buck I’m sure,but if what you have
to give works,then those it works for will,want it to work for
others and whatever comes back will be coming from genuine love and
gratitude. its too late to think we can be making buisness while
saving the world,you cant sell happiness.and for a few to be buying
it while the rest starve is very old news. I think this is really
an appeal to everybody in the self help ,marketplace..forget the
returns,begin to make an end of money,and do it out of love
xxx
Hi Greg,everytime I get another pitch from someone who has
“found” the secret and has turned round their previously desperate
life,I follow the link,because I live in hope that one day I will
get through the part about how amazingly this one,previously
unknown technique has changed everything about there world,and how
it could change mine too…and my heart is saying..go on..if this
has done it for you, if you know it could help the countless
miserable beings you say it can, dont you just want to share it
with the world,in these dark days.but no,almost inevitably,to get
this life changing wisdom..click the link to get this bargain
discount price. what price is love ? would you charge those you
love,if you truly thought you knew something that honestly would
change there lives for the better. I would like to suggest a new
structure for those out there who genuinely wish to help,and i’m
not charging for this information either,because like most of the
secrets people try to sell you,its been out there a long time. I
will credit it to the vipassana meditation movement,because to date
they seem to be the only people that get this. if you have a
technique,hither-to unknown process,magic-bean,and you really feel
it could help the world..give it out for free,I mean really free,by
all means have a donate button,but make this clear..if this helps
you,please donate whatever you can,on the principle that you want
to pay for others to get this information,because your doing it out
of love. you wont make a quick buck I’m sure,but if what you have
to give works,then those it works for will,want it to work for
others and whatever comes back will be coming from genuine love and
gratitude. its too late to think we can be making buisness while
saving the world,you cant sell happiness.and for a few to be buying
it while the rest starve is very old news. I think this is really
an appeal to everybody in the self help ,marketplace..forget the
returns,begin to make an end of money,and do it out of love
xxx
funny that post reminds of the chapter i just listened to from Dale Carnegie's “how to stop worrying and start living”: chapters 18 and 19 deal with one's focus on others and helping others, in essence, giving love.
as the Tibetan monks say: “There is no way to happiness, happiness is the way” 🙂
donal.
Sooo true. Have ALWAYS HAD LOVE in my life it has been the binding web that has kept me whole even in times of trouble and strife and money anxieties.
Witnessing someone close to me who's love for partner has changed and may part. My heart bleeds for the two of them going through their pain. Paradoxically I just know that all heals in time and I play my little part by surrounding them with love. Knowing that there is nothing else I can do to ease their pain, it is their walk.
Hey Greg'
Money will not buy happiness.
The humen being is a social creature, and he need to be
in supportive society,to fell belong to it,and to be beloved.
Hey Greg – Great Post. A very successful businessman once gave me the best piece of advice that I have never forgot. He said “Do what you have a passion for… the money will follow”. I think as soon as you can make the switch in your head to STOP trading hours for dollars, monumental shifts will happen in your life. So concentrate on what makes you happy – love, family, friends, and do what you enjoy for a living… you'll be rewarded in more ways than you can imagine.
Thanks Greg! Nice post… I just came from the Sedona Method LIving Love Retreat in Sedona this past week and Hale Dwaskin is also a good friend of Marci, who is also a Sedona Method Graduate; and for the first time in my life I had a sense of love for no reason… no reason to be loved and no reason to love other that living the love that we are and allowing for that love to emanate in all its different shades and lights. What a freedom to just be and be and be the love that I am without identity and with identity… I went to the course wondering why I had not gone to the Sedona Method Abundance course and left with an incredible sense of appreciation for all that life has to offer and all the love that is always here and now. I also look forward to reading Marci's book. Wishing you and all your family a loving, prosperous, fulfilling and joyful 2011!
Thanks Greg,
So relevant to the times we are in. As we approach the inevitable period of hyper-
inflation we had better be stocked up on the most important resource that money
can't buy, love. Marci seems to have a definite connection with the source of love and
especially for those who don't know or care about the bible or it's messages, Marci's
books may be the next best thing.
Thanks again and have a great new year,
Roland from California
Hi Greg, thanks for that message of LOVE. For me I treasure LOVE most because I believe in loving myself and all those around me including the natural environment. And because I live the word LOVE, I am able to make it through life, no matter what comes my way. For love counts no limits and boundries; be it physical, phsycological, spiritual, social, political or cultural, love remains invincible, pure and totally free from any bondage. Everytime I contemplate on these, I feel uplifted, at peace and am satisfied. And so I keep going.
Hi Greg, thanks for that message of LOVE. For me I treasure LOVE most because I believe in loving myself and all those around me including the natural environment. And because I live the word LOVE, I am able to make it through life, no matter what comes my way. For love counts no limits and boundries; be it physical, phsycological, spiritual, social, political or cultural, love remains invincible, pure and totally free from any bondage. Everytime I contemplate on these, I feel uplifted, at peace and am satisfied. And so I keep going.
Great post Greg! I fully agree, and I have come to discover that you cannot come to love others until you fully love yourself! I too spent my holidays watching myself and others, and really worked at cultivating my relationship with my girlfriend.
My challenge lately has been to balance spending time with her and working on the many other work/school related things I have going on, and my goal in 2010 is to become a master of managing my time and mindset so that I can both achieve my financial and career goals and grow my relationship! You are a great example of someone who has their priorities straight, and you seem to have mastered this art already…any tips?
Hi Greg,
Thank you for this post and for spreading the message of awareness and appreciation for LOVE and those you LOVE.
I am incredibly blessed with a wonderful marriage, family, friends, and my dogs and make it point to let those in my live know how much I appreciate them. This small thing has made my life very full and rich and has sustained me through the ups and downs and challenges of living in this world.
In 2010 a couple of my friends went through some really big and difficult challenges. Even though I was almost overwhelmingly busy, I dropped was I was working on to help them and give them some of my time. In looking back on my year those are some of the moments that were the most memorable.
Marci’s books sounds wonderful. Thank you and wishing us all lots of love in 2011!
Jane