In a time when we often find ourselves divided instead of united,

Be reminded, there is only one force that overcomes fear and hate,

LOVE makes US great!

Welcome to the eighth month of LOVE makes US great! This blog follows a monthly formula. Second week – bringing more love to family and friends. Let’s start loving.

You can’t change the people around you. But you can change the people around you.

This post from The Language Nerds puzzled me for a moment and then made me smile. 

I wasted a lot of time and effort in my younger years trying to change the people around me. If only they would listen to my logic and reason. If only they opened themselves up to new ideas. If only I stressed my point of view more passionately. 

Many steps later, I've learned to keep the focus on myself and that the only person I can change is me. If I want deeper, more loving relationships, I must start with myself, nurture those seeds, and then share them with others. If I want to influence others, I do that by providing an example that others may, or may not, choose to learn about or follow. I can also learn from others and follow their examples.

While I can't change the people around me, I can change the people around me. One morning this week, I paused in my practice to look around the yoga studio. It was a beautiful sight. Compassionate humans, who with all of our differences, show up at 6 am to practice together and cheer each other on. I’m grateful to have found these folks to start my day with love and support.

Over the years, I’ve changed the people I have around me to have a higher proportion of folks who live their lives with curiosity, compassion, and love. 

Chosen family, friends, colleagues. Choose lovingly. 

How might you change the people around you without changing the people around you?

Love requires participation. Love requires sharing. Love requires action. Love requires commitment. 

For folks who share your experience, I'll send you a LOVEMUG sticker and magnet.

With gratitude,

Joyce Aiko

(yes, love really is my middle name)