What Is Love?

Love

Is deserving

And gracious

It is the essence of the heart’s shape

Ebullient and elated

Joyful and caring

Love

Provides space to access your highest self

Support to achieve your dreams

Even, the drive to attain them

It is freeing, giving and caring

Love is motivation

Love

Is an anchor

Truthful, reliable and forgiving

It is reason when the world seems awry

Steady balance and dependable guide

Love is acceptance

Love

Is peace of mind and passion

It is wise and knowing

Confident and comfortable

Love is nurturing

Love

Is not obsessive, stifling or selfish

It cannot be tamed or controlled

Love is abundant and unlimited

Love is a gift

And must be appreciated

It is the reason the sun set appears extra special

An explanation of that radiant glow at breakfast

Why you enjoy going that inexplicable extra mile

Love is fairy dust rounding magical moments

Love is the bond between you and I

We all need to grow and give

It is our unique and sublime purpose

Love propels our dreams and desires

Love evolves over time

Enriching our lives in immeasurable ways

Love is all that matters

Live, Give, Love

copyright mn8 media llc, 2009

8 Guilt-Free Chocolate Desserts

Chocolate and Valentine’s Day are a perfect pair. Even better, these chocolate desserts taste sinfully decadent, but are low in calories so you can indulge without worrying about your diet. (Plus, chocolate may benefit your heart’s health.) So if you love chocolate as much as we do, try these Dark Fudgy Brownies and 7 other delicious diet-friendly chocolate desserts. More...

No Valentine? No Problem!

Valentine's Day is a great time to evaluate where you're at and appreciate who you are. Here are some ideas from Dr. Laura Berman for those celebrating this year sans partner. Make it a great day!

1. Celebrate your independence. I know it's hard to imagine, but someday you will look back with fondness on the days when you were accountable to no one but yourself. Enjoy this time — that you can sleep until whenever you want, withwhom you want (well, pretty much), and eat breakfast at 2 p.m. on the couch in your pajamas!

2. Pamper yourself. Give a little loving attention to your body and mind, instead of waiting for someone else to do it. Take a sensual bath with lavender oil, lots of candles, and your favorite music in the background. Order your favorite take-out, get a great movie and treat yourself luxuriously.

3. Take charge. If you've had your eye on someone, or you've been engaging in some heavy yet indirect flirtation, make the move. Think about when you are old and gray one day, regretting all the things you didn't do when you were young and attractive! If you are too scared to do it in person, send an email or a text message. That way the ball is in his court if he wants to respond.

4. Send flowers to yourself. I'm telling you, it works! Flowers are beautiful and can make you feel happy every time you look at them. Spend the money you would spend on a valentine on a beautiful arrangement for yourself.

5. Go to the bookstore. Yes, the bookstore is the new singles bar. With all that great literature, you have endless subject for conversation. Or, hit the magazine section if that's more your style.

6. Get fluent in body language. Learning how to use your eyes, body and posture helps you with that all-important nonverbal communication with lovelies who catch your eye. Be a master at flirting without saying a word.

7. Babysit a friend's kids. It's good karma to allow two others a shot at Valentine's Day bliss. Plus, a night with the kids just might restore a sense of appreciation for the single life!

8. Make a cake from scratch — frosting and all. It's fun to create something from start to finish and then you get to eat it. If you choose chocolate, you just may feel the same endorphins that those in love do.

9. Broaden your sense of love. From your family to your friends to your lovers of times past, focus on how lucky you are for all of the love in your life.

10. And if all else fails, go out! Brave the couples walking arm-in-arm down the street and the guys peddling roses. Tomorrow will be just another day in that couple's relationship and the roses will be half-off. Find a bar or restaurant to enjoy yourself at with the girls, or just by yourself. You never know who might have the same idea up his sleeve.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day For Everyone

With Valentine's Day just a week away, let's reflect on the abundance and love that's already in our lives. Instead of pining away for Mr. Right, let us show love and appreciation for the network of friends, the pet, the doorman who smiles.  All of these little things add up to a life more loved. As we appreciate all of these things, we invite more in.

This year, let's also commit to finding ways to nurture and love ourselves more. As we do, we become stronger and more captivating to friends and partners. So put yourself first. You are at least half of any relationship you're in.

Over the next few days, please check for posts to make your Valentine's Day more enriched. Share your love and abundance with a friend! A good way to share your love, is to let friends know about Mindful Living!

...Another is to donate to the American Heart Association. :)