Love Anyway
| Meeting Anne Koller This past weekend, I was in Milwaukee. I went to visit a friend and see a city I had never been to before. Saturday afternoon, she said, “Want to go to a sound bath?” My answer was, “Of course!” So we hopped in her car and headed over. It was not just a sound bath. There were mermaids, aerial performances, and stands offering a wide range of delights. My friend heads straight to a stand brimming with art featuring inspirational messages. She hugs the woman there and then introduces me. It’s Anne Koller, and all the art here is hers. One message – Love Anyway – catches my eye. It is on mugs and posters. It is on cards and shirts. I feel a tingle in my spine. This delights me! You may know that love is my secret ingredient (if you want to learn more about that, check out this video). I get really curious about what Love Anyway means to the artist, so I ask… |
| Love Anyway Anne shares a story of a time several years ago when she felt like things were really hard. Life was unfolding in disappointing ways, and she was seeing many things that were devastating. Sitting in that heartbreak was so hard, and she realized she had a choice. She could either let it consume her, or she could love anyway. She decided to love anyway! Each day, she woke up and sent love out into the world. Specifically, to the people who were causing some of the harm she felt. She held love in her heart, even though she did not see others acting with love. She decided to love, even though others were acting with hatred. As she spoke, tears came to my eyes. Her message resonated so much! We began talking about my work and how I talk about love, and about her work and how she talks about love. There was so much overlap and connection. It was a magical moment. One thing I felt as we talked was relief. Relief that I was not the only one talking about love and sharing with others how to walk with love in hard times. Relief that the same sentiment was being shared in this other form, the art was so beautiful. Seeing her art and hearing her story reminded me that we all navigate the message of love differently, and I delighted in hearing her version. |
| Golden Nuggets of the Week: 1. Love Anyway No matter what you are facing, you can face it with love. That is not always easy or comfortable. It will always leave one feeling more resourced than the other options. We can not control how others act. We can control how we act. Be bold and brave and strong and advocate with love! 2. Be curious – Asking Anne about her art allowed us to connect and brought so much meaning to her message. Sure, I could have just loved her art and gotten a piece that said love anyway, and made up my own story to what it meant. Yet, hearing her story allowed us to connect deeper and create a heartfelt moment for us both. All because I was curious! 3. You are not alone – It can feel really lonely in the world we are in. It can feel like you are the only one facing the challenges you are facing or dealing with the hard things you are dealing with. That is not true… others are struggling through moments, too. Showing up in the world with love allows others to connect with your goodness and feel more connected, even when they are not showing you the hardships that are on their hearts. 4. Check out Anne’s work – If you want to have some inspirational art around your house, check out Anne’s work here. |
| One step at a time You never know who around you needs an extra bit of love. When you show up and decide to love anyway, it can change someone else’s experience in ways that are unimaginable to you! So love anyway! At work, you don’t know what someone else is going through. Showing up with compassion and giving them the benefit of the doubt may make a huge difference in their day. At home, consider what would change if you held love even as you disagreed with your kids. Know that the arguments will resolve with more ease if you come from a place of love. Love is an action you take, not just a feeling you have. Treat your family members with love. In your own being, love is also needed. Taking time to compliment yourself, congratulate yourself, and love yourself in small ways will change your day. It will allow you to see more good unfolding, have more confidence in the steps you take, and give more grace in your learning moments. Just one small step a day – a smile at yourself in the mirror – a deep breath before continuing a conversation – placing your hands on your heart as you discuss a hard topic – all go so far! The small step of taking a minute to send love to someone or something that is breaking your heart may change how you feel throughout the day. Are there ways you already love anyway? I would love to hear about it – so hit reply to this message and fill me in! |
