To me Love is how we interact with others, all creatures, and ourselves. Love enriches moments, relationships and deepens our connection to one another, living, and ourselves. Love as an energetic force is more powerful than realized. My partner and I text love notes daily that warm my heart, spreading smiles throughout my being. For me, love is more than romantic, friendly, and familial. They’re important elements to our lives I wouldn’t want to be without. Love connects us with joy, optimism, passion, and well-being. Love’s scope is unlimited through kindness, compassion, and making a difference in other’s lives. I have a daily ‘love practice’ out in the world. Spreading love with laughter and connection is something I do that feels good. I believe that action transmits love to others and globally. A loving connection with nature and all life is important. In addition to bird seed, I shred carrots for the birds. Maybe it’s not love when they wait expectantly in my backyard for special treats, especially on wintry days. They know they can count on me which feels fulfilling. Imagine extending love with our thoughts and feelings externally so our world brightens, anger’s quelled, hatred dissolved, love multiplies and magnifies.

Jo Anne White

Love, for me, is resilience, kindness, and selflessness. My mother embodied these qualities and more. She showed me that in stillness, there is strength; in resilience, there is hope; and in the acceptance of life’s challenges, there is peace. Her selflessness was her greatest strength. She taught me that fear keeps us alert but shouldn’t hold us back and that humor and hope can carry us through even the darkest times. She believed in the power of connection, belonging, and humanity, and she lived her life with unwavering faith and kindness. Even after her passing, her lessons remain my guide. She prepared me to walk this earth on my own, instilling in me the courage to persevere and the faith to find light in every shadow. Her love endures within me, a silent strength guiding my every step. She taught me not just how to live, but how to love with purpose and humanity.

Ineke Kanhai

One of the more surprising discoveries in our 298-month marriage, (yes, we celebrate every month!), has been something we realized very recently: We don't need each other! Why is this relevant? We once assumed that the opposite was true, that each of us 'needed' the other in all manner of ways, and for all kinds of things. But understanding we really don't NEED each other leads to the obvious conclusion that staying together from choice rather than necessity indicates a much stronger commitment and a much healthier relationship.

Byron & Mariah Edgington

Love actually takes the form of my beautiful, captivating, brilliant, kind, compassionate, adventurous, funny, devoted and oh so patient wife Ali—the extraordinary navigator of life's winding paths—impacting my world with her boundless courage, meticulous vision, and transformative spirit. She has illuminated my journey with an infectious optimism that has turned every step along the way into a celebration of human resilience and shared adventure. Her love has been my compass, her support my sustenance, and her unwavering belief in me my most powerful propulsion. She hasn’t just just walked beside me, but she’s elevated every step into a profound act of connection, discovery, and mutual grace. We haven't conquered every corner of this magnificent world yet, but with her as my partner and inspiration, I am certain that no horizon is beyond my reach, no dream too distant to embrace together.

Dennis Pitocco

Love is a universal truth that exists beyond the realms of time and space. It is the most powerful force that can transcend your soul to a higher level.. Someone wisely said: - When the mind falls in love, it’s temporary. - When the heart falls in love, it lasts a lifetime. - When the soul falls in love, it’s eternal. SO, fall in love with yourself to embrace eternal growth. 💖

Ambreen Nadeem

Every day I experience profound love through my children. Here are some moments that just made my heart burst. My 6 year old son was going to bed the other night and I was lying near him. He turned his body around and said, "I want to face this way so I can see your beautiful face. I love you mommy." My 19 year old daughter jumping up and down when she comes home from college shouting "my mommy! I missed you! I love my mommy!" When I was in the kitchen making my kids dinner, I overheard them sharing about their feelings and speaking so heart-centered to one another and resolving whatever issues they were facing together. Our family is built on such a beautiful foundation of love and I am so proud of all of us for achieving my dream come true. Being their mom is my greatest joy.

Angela DiMarco

For me, love is the most powerful force in this world. It is the meaning of life, the essence of our existence on this planet, and the propeller for everything I do. I love my family and my friends, but I also love my students and those, especially children, whom I never even met. I live my life in this way because I feel that this is the only way.

Barbara Vokatis

I was stressed and overwhelmed by work. A friend gave me this "Prescription:" Sit in the garden for ten minutes and do absolutely nothing; don't even think. "I did so, and my stress fell away. I noticed the birds were singing to me. There is a world of difference between listening to birds and noticing they are singing to you. I can vividly remember Helen's loving help, though it happened forty years ago.

Nick Heap

Donna and I have been together for 44 years and married for 42 years. We met on a blind date and during our first phone call we shared our background and where we went to college. We found out that we were at the same very small university at the same time. After the call ended, I looked in my annuals and I was shocked. It was a girl that I had seen at the bookstore many times. After our first date, the courtship began, and we later married. Donna is my North Star, and I owe all the good things in my life to her. As I look back, our first date was just too random and too unlikely to have occurred on its own. Our meeting in 1982 was predestined. The only explanation is that love will always find a way.

David Ford

You hold that, I’ll hold you – Continuing the Conversation A young father told me the story of needing to get his 4-year-old son off his tablet before bedtime. The youngster was incensed, livid. The young father felt he couldn’t give in…and yet…he suddenly turned to the youngster and said” Where do you feel it, Buddy, in your head, in your throat, in your tummy? Buddy nodded “My tummy. “What color is it?” “Red” “Ok. Pick a piece of your building block set, that color.” Buddy does so. “You hold that, I’ll hold you.” And Buddy went into the arms of his Daddy. They went into the bathroom to brush their teeth. Buddy comments “It changed color Daddy.” “What color is it now?” “Yellow.” “Go get a yellow block.” “Okay.” Climbing into bed Buddy says “It changed color again Daddy.” “What color is it now?” “It’s Green.” “Go change the block.” They settle in together. “You hold that, I’ll hold you.” This continuing communication is the color of Love Actually. Ongoing.

Susan Sneath

When one of my children was in the midst of their first love affair, they said to me: "thank you for teaching me how to love. it has allowed me to love them. thank you for helping me access therapy. It has allowed me to be comfortable asking them how they want to be loved by me." This made me so grateful. Firstly: deep gratititude that they chose to share it with me. Secondly: all the little things I had done over the years which were mostly not acknowledged (one of the hardest parts of motherhood) were, in fact, being absorbed, internalized, and reflected on and ultimately impacted their life for the better.

Tamsin Astor

It is always in the small things… My husband would travel for work every week for 2 – 4 days. While he was gone, I would find love notes scattered throughout the house or even better under my pillow when I turned the bed down. His presence was with me – even when he was away. When we are walking in town or anyplace while traveling, when we approach a crosswalk, he sweetly finds my hand. No words ever needed. Just a simple act of reaching, holding, and releasing. A loving way of just feeling safe. And most days, during the afternoon we play the NYTimes games on our phone. We play Wordle independently but play, Connections, The Mini Crossword, and Strands together. We find that the teamwork and brainwork meld us together with strategy, intellect, frustration,n, and joy in figuring it all out together. He is my best friend – my soul mate – my forever.

Carolyn Lebanowski

Unconditional love for friends is a powerful and enduring connection that transcends time and circumstances. It involves accepting friends for who they are, celebrating their successes, and supporting them through challenges without hesitation. This love fosters understanding, empathy, and growth, creating a safe space for authenticity. It shines brightest during tough times, reminding us that true friends stand by us no matter what. In a world that can feel isolating, the bond of friendship provides comfort and joy, making it essential to cherish and nurture these relationships. Ultimately, unconditional love enriches our lives, highlighting the beauty of connection and the profound impact of genuine friendship.

Kamla Dasrath

My friends and I had been standing with our Love signs at the intersection of Black Mountain on a very cold winter evening. Happily waving and smiling to all the drivers passing through the intersection, we noticed a woman, a pedestrian, across the street waving at us. She walked towards us and handed each of us hand-knitted warm hats she had knitted. She thanked each of us for the joy and love we kept offering our community and its visitors. With tears in my eyes, I asked if I could hug her. "Of course!" We hugged each other. Tears welled in my eyes with love, with gratitude. I chose a beautiful, soft, cozy red hat. I still do not know the woman's name. She does not know mine. Loving kindness flows from a deeper place.

Laura Staley

The Languages We Speak In our marriage, my husband Craig and I have learned to speak the languages that make each other feel loved. His heart listens for tender words of affirmation and craves the warmth of touch—a hug that holds more than words, a kiss that whispers devotion. My heart finds love in acts of service—a task lifted from my shoulders, a thoughtful gesture that says, I see you, and I care. Over time, we’ve become fluent in each other’s languages. I’ve learned to offer words that uplift and reach out with gentle touches, reminding him how deeply he’s cherished. He, in turn, folds his love into quiet actions—a cup of tea beside me as I work, the unspoken promise that I’m not alone in life’s demands. While many relationships fade with time, ours continues to grow. By honoring how we each give and receive love, we nurture a bond that thrives, deepening with each act of care, each moment of connection. Ours is a love that grows stronger with time, built on the quiet understanding of what makes us whole.

Ipek Williamson

Life often reveals its depth and meaning in the most unexpected moments. Just a month and a half ago, I faced the profound loss of my dear mom. As I navigate this journey of grief, I was also surrounded by an outpouring of love and care from friends and family. It’s been a bittersweet experience—almost like glimpsing my own eulogy and realizing the immense gratitude I feel for the most wonderful people in my life. In losing someone who gave me so much love, I’ve been reminded of how loss can also bring love to the forefront. Grief, I’ve come to understand, only happens where there is love. Love, loss, and grief are deeply intertwined and I did not expect this until I went through it.

Brooke Erol

I was on the brink of falling into a deep depression after my wife unexpectedly abandoned me and our son. All I wanted to do was to stay in bed and sleep to forget about my shattered heart and the personal betrayal of false promises. My dear sister Rita telephoned me with an offer to meet me and buy me lunch. I declined her invitation because I did not feel like driving an hour or more to join her. She surprised me when she told me that she was already at my front door. We went out for a great lunch and we laughed when she told me that in her haste to meet with me that she had forgotten her wallet. It was okay; she paid my personal emotional deficit with her unselfish love and her genuine concern for my well being.I started to live again. Thanks dear sister Rita Marie!

Danny Pitocco

Our residence, a charming yet somewhat drafty dwelling dating back to the 19th century, possesses a heating system that leaves much to be desired. To combat the chill that inevitably settles in as the day wanes, my husband, with a touch of old-fashioned romance, employs a time-honored method. He diligently fills a hot water bottle, a comforting relic of a bygone era, and strategically places it at the foot of our bed. This thoughtful gesture ensures that when I retire for the evening, I am met with the delightful sensation of sheets warmed by the gentle, lingering heat, a small act of love that transforms our chilly abode into a cozy sanctuary.

Emily Rhodes

A simple phrase, yet imbued with profound meaning, 'I love you' has become an indispensable part of our daily ritual. Before either of us ventures out into the world, we pause, exchange a tender glance, and utter those three cherished words. This seemingly insignificant act, a fleeting moment of connection, has become as essential to our routine as remembering one's keys. After nearly seventeen years of marriage, it has woven itself into the very fabric of our relationship, a silent testament to the enduring power of love and the importance of acknowledging it, however fleetingly, in the midst of our busy lives.

George Hansen

After 16 years of marriage, my husband and I recently began dance lessons. We've progressed from the waltz to the foxtrot and are now tackling East Coast swing. Dancing together fosters an intimacy, a shared vulnerability as we learn and sometimes stumble. It mirrors our marriage – a constant learning process. Now, we often find ourselves spontaneously waltzing in the kitchen, adding a playful rhythm to our everyday life.

Lori Fieshman

My 50th birthday brought the true meaning of friendship to the forefront. A dear friend, knowing my love for good wine, gifted me a weekend in wine country, complete with a full-day food and wine tasting tour. It was the perfect gift. Thirteen of us, a boisterous bunch, had the bus to ourselves. We spent the day singing off-key, sharing silly jokes, and laughing until our sides ached. It wasn't just the wine that fueled our joy, but the safety and comfort of being surrounded by loved ones. The rest of the weekend was a whirlwind of laughter, a few tears of joy, and countless cherished memories. It was a reminder that the greatest gifts in life are the connections we share with those we love.

Sarina Eddleston

Our daily ritual, a sacred covenant within our marriage, is the morning walk with our beloved canine companion. This cherished tradition is non-negotiable, a steadfast anchor in the ever-shifting currents of our lives. As we embark on this journey together, we leave behind the distractions of the digital world, immersing ourselves in the tranquility of the natural surroundings. These moments of shared communion, unburdened by the demands of work or the allure of technology, allow us to connect on a deeper level, fostering intimacy and strengthening our bond before the day's responsibilities begin to unfold.

Abigal Marsh

YOUR MOMENT OF LOVE (ACTUALLY) HERE!

What has always sustained me are not the grand gifts or getaways, but the small sublime practices that speaks to my heart, being seen and seeing Carolyn in all her beauty. Before I retired I traveled extensively. When I would unpack my suitcase I would find hidden notes of endearment and Carolyn would often find notes left under her pillow or one of my fragrances. We now live in Portugal and wake every morning expressing our love in Portuguese; Bom Dia, Amo-te and what would you like to create today! A gentle reminder that everyday is precious and sharing our life together is never taken for granted.

Wayne Lebanowski

The million-dollar question: What is Love? Not having grown up in a home with love, I never knew what love is. But I also knew I had to find out. I witnessed many friends who seemed to know love from their families, boyfriends, and girlfriends. I felt ashamed to ask, how love feels, or how to get it. As if it was something to be gotten. My search was frantic, confusing, and disappointing. Seemed I was looking in all the wrong places for love. I experienced loss of what I thought was love. It hurt. When I realized I had to love myself first, I finally began to feel and express its deep beauty from within. Self love is the greatest love, that's where the true magic of love begins. Love is me and you, we are love, as a part of Spirit God, herself. Love is the very essence of that which connects us and makes us One. Regardless of our upbringing, our beliefs, life experiences, our mistakes, we cannot ever lose love. It’s who we are, what we are, what we were created from, and as. Begin with you, love yourself, and you will then experience magical love.

Char Murphy

The world is getting smaller as our humanity expands its love. You'll find me there in the calm shelter of that Unified Field.

Kathleen Dutton

When my brother would call to talk about nothing, or as a kid when he was dating, he would bring me three glazed donuts; that's love to me. When my mother would show me how to cook something, or I would see her baking biscuits on a Saturday morning, and her nieces and nephews would show up for a bite to eat...that's love. When a family member, a friend, or my best friend calls to check in with me, to me, that's love! When my nieces and nephews remember what I have done for them because of love, and they remind me of what I did, that is love. When family and friends want to be in my presence, to me, that's love.

Phil Williams

Discard demands. Invest nothing in resentment. Delete envy. Turn from greed. Dodge annoyance. Abandon cynicism. Release self-centered fear. What’s left is pure Obdurate Love.

Mac Bogert

October 19. 2024 Marie and I celebrated 50 years together. Our two sons and oldest grandsons treated us to a 3-day resort celebration. We celebrated in style and comfort thanks to our loving family. Now, we are working on our next 50 years of love!

Tony Pfeiffer

In Nov of 2024, I turned 55. In March of the same year, I got married! On the beach. At sunrise. We both value the relationship, we value each other. We honor the need to be ourselves and come into each interaction giving and loving before expecting. It's a beautiful thing. But coming from love in my mind is to show up with an open heart in all interactions with all people. It's the seed that respects differences, it's the space for connections to deepen, and it's what the world needs right now more than anything else. Thanks for the opportunity to be in this space with so many loving hearts.

Heather Hansen O'Neill

It sits within us, all of us. Love, this magical thing that we feel, sense, and can’t define, although I’m trying my best here to do so. Love is transcendent and energetic and, yet, humans have constructed stories that say it doesn’t exist or only exists in certain silos. Stories have a wonderous and insidious power to focus our minds away or to anything. And, Unconditional Love sits there within us waiting to be acknowledged and put into action. It pops up, sent without our knowing we are sending it or received without our knowing it. When acknowledged and expressed from our hearts, it is the greatest power in human existence. We can pick and choose what we want to do with it or to who we want to send it, but, invariably this matters not because, once put into play, it radiates and resonates, changing everything it flows to and through. Unconditional Love is simply in everything, waiting for us to open our hearts, pause our minds, and give and receive it. Sharing a moment love now! You must be too!

Carey Corr

Her eyes were dark brown. She looked at me, then quickly looked away, wandering around the kitchen. I watched her back. She came over to me, sat down, and I put my hand gently on her neck. Stroked. I heard a sound. A growl. Then I saw that she lifted her left lip, and the growl deepened. A single move, and she was on the floor. I held her as she tried to bite me. A moment that lasted forever went by. Then, she relaxed. I let her up, turned my back to her, and got my leash. Then we went for a long walk in the beauty of Norwegian spring. It was in 2020. Since then, we have been together, my dog and I. My furry sister from another mother. My Trollheads Nessi.

Haakon Rian Mancient Ueland

I focus to cultivate love in my relationships by paying attention to my everyday stress reactions. When I resolve stress, I naturally respond in a calmer, kinder manner. I am more present for those I love.

Cathy Caswell

Love lifts us up. Love is a million meaningful experiences. It is a decision. Love is depth, emotion, devotion, passion, and power! It is oxygen. It is universal. It speaks a language of its own. It is compassion. Its warmth comforts the soul. It cultivates growth. It is sacrificial, unconditional. It is life. It is eternal ~ stronger than death. It is of God, who Is love and we were made for love! We must love without debating whether or not someone is worthy of love. It endures. It cures. It is the key that unlocks every door. It is me. It is you. It is glue! Lovingly, Loreexx

Loree Dittrich

We use electric toothbrushes but only keep one charger out. Each of us puts the other’s toothbrush onto the charger after we brush our teeth. A small but enduring reminder that our last thought was of each other.

Debra Lewis

Every night before we go to sleep, my boyfriend and I tell each other our high, low and “best bite” of the day. When we are both busy with work, it is a great way to talk about the key points of our day. We also both love food, so highlighting our meals makes it special.

Sarah Fischer

Sharing a mutual love for avian life, my boyfriend and I both delight in the pastime of birdwatching. As a thoughtful Christmas gift, he surprised me with a charming hummingbird feeder. Whenever he graces me with his presence, he diligently inspects the feeder, ensuring its proper functioning. With a touch of personal care, he meticulously prepares and replenishes the nectar, attracting these vibrant creatures to our shared space.

Gina Marshall

Love is unconditional and interweaves through the essence of who we are. Trevor and I always say the universe co-conspired to bring us together. Not looking, rather searching for answers is what led us to each other. Serendipitously a choice created an outcome that brought us closer until enough little events created an explosive once-in-a-lifetime experience! Sparks flew, an intense connection occurred and a bond was formed that cannot be broken. We are the fusion of masculine and feminine, on a journey of lifelong learning and growth both personally and spiritually. Our love for each other expresses itself on multiple levels and threads the embodiment of the coming together of two which becomes one. There is an unseen element of respect and understanding for each other, guiding us to be the best we can be individually and together. Every day is a celebration of our union and each moment is a reminder of the value of LOVE. Together we take each experience as a potential lesson to learn and an opportunity to strengthen our bond.

Eileen Bild

Love is shown in acts of gratitude and appreciation for others. The deepest human needs are to know they are valued and their life has significance. My "love actually" moments are borne out of knowing my own worth so I can encourage people by showing them that they are important and their lives matter.

Jane Anderson

For years, people asked what I was looking for in a relationship. The answer was simple albeit complex. I wanted to wake up each morning, and fall asleep each night in the arms of my best friend. In between those moments, I wanted to passionately live life and make love to a great man. However, I knew my definition of great was not typical. I wanted a man who was the salt of the earth, and a warrior that purposely chose peace. I wanted this man to love all of me, not just the bits and pieces he chose along the way. After years of waiting, I thought maybe I was expecting too much. However, an intense emotional experience shifted the tides within my soul. I solemnly accepted my past, and joyfully prayed for my future. Within weeks, I met the man I had been waiting for. Ken’s love is as pure as his wildflower honey. Now, we are building a new dream that surpasses our own dreams as our love is ever expanding. Our mission is to help others find the love we have within. After all, we are better together.

Amy Olmedo

What a wonderful question/initiative. How fascinating that the first (of a 1000) thing that pops into my mind right now happened a few weeks ago when Dennis Pitocco called to chat and let me know that he and Ali would be in my area and would love to visit. YES! He was asking me about how/what I was doing and I shared that I had been writing LOTS of poetry as I navigate my way through a challenging time. While we were tallking, I sent him the 3 poems I had JUST written simply to share them with him. THE NEXT MORNING I woke to the first one being published (IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HOLIDAY WHEN BizCatalyst NEVER POSTS!) That led to all sorts of hug-worthy responses as I shared it far and wide. It was so uplifting and affirming and gave my spirit a much needed boost. #2 I ordered their Pilgrimage book which is truly a gift to the world and have been reading a few pages every day, giving shape to thoughts about the "pilgrimage" I am on right now. Such a blessing. Many thanks. We simply never know when we might miraculously touch a life.

Minx Boren

My love actual moment was giving birth for the first time, seeing the little life I carried for 9 months enter the world as a human being. Nothing on this earth can create a life so distinct in its DNA. My own granddaughter was born, weighing only 2.5 lbs, not sure if she would live, and is now a beautiful young woman. She gave me hope that life is precious. It's not just flesh, or tissue, but a living soul that continues to grow in a mother's womb. My faith in humanity was renewed when a young teen came to me, after almost destroying the life inside of her, thanking me for caring enough to understand her situation and experiencing the care given to her by people who had no connection with her, but reached out to provide a place for her till the baby was born, and the young teen was able to give her baby to a couple who desperately wanted to have a child of their own but could not. If something grows it is alive, and yet so many feel a fetus is just tissue, yet it grows into a beautiful creation of life.

Lynn Forrester Pitocco

Each evening, as the shadows lengthen and the day begins to fade, we observe a quiet ritual. Before surrendering to the darkness and extinguishing the lights, we gently intertwine our hands, creating a moment of shared peace. In this sacred space, we cast aside the weight of the day – its goals, its expectations, its demands. Most importantly, we banish any trace of worry, allowing ourselves to simply be present with one another.

Rachel Mills

My wife and I cultivate a playful spirit, even in the most unexpected of circumstances. When an unfortunate incident befell our daughter's beloved doll – the loss of a limb, specifically an arm – we transformed this mishap into a delightful game of hide-and-seek. The missing appendage, a small, disconcerting object, has become a mischievous traveler within our home. It might vanish for months, lurking in obscure corners, only to reappear in the most surprising of places. Imagine the startled jolt of finding a severed doll arm nestled amongst your sweaters when the autumn chill descends! While the initial discovery might elicit a momentary gasp, it inevitably gives way to a shared chuckle, a reminder of the playful spirit we strive to maintain in our everyday lives.

Mike Robets

We play a game every night. It has changed over the years — backgammon, dice, dominoes — but the ritual is cherished. It used to be our way to reconnect after being apart all day, or to have a few minutes together away from the kids. Now we are empty nesters, and it serves as a little reminder of our journey.

Mark Warnoski

When we hold hands, my wife and I share a secret code of love. Three gentle squeezes, a silent yet profound exchange, convey the depth of our affection. It's a simple gesture, yet it speaks volumes – a reminder of the enduring bond we share, a comforting presence in the midst of everyday chaos, and a silent affirmation of our love.

Ron Litle

Since the 1990s, Friday nights have been sacred date nights in our household. Back then, it often involved a trip to the local video store – a far cry from the endless scrolling through streaming services we do today. While a leisurely dinner of homemade waffles and prosecco remains a cherished tradition, we also indulge in the occasional takeout treat. This cherished ritual has remained a constant throughout our many moves, from the bustling city of Seattle to the quaint village of Cotswold.

Jim Fishbourne

During my partner's frequent business trips, we maintain a unique and intimate connection through a shared journal. Each day, we diligently record our thoughts, observations, and experiences, penning down the small, often overlooked moments that would have undoubtedly been shared aloud had we been together. These daily entries, a testament to our enduring bond, serve as a bridge across the miles, keeping us tethered to each other's lives and hearts despite the physical distance.

Susan Duchart