While falling in love is an experience we all cherish, it doesn’t do the heavy lifting in life. The maintenance of love requires many repeated gifts of tolerance, compassion and generosity.
Giving daily in small ways makes us healthier and happier. It’s also associated with reduced risk of illness and lower rates of depression.
Best of all, studies show that giving is highly protective for adolescents, reducing risky behaviors while increasing self-esteem.
As an added bonus, giving in loving ways helps us forgive ourselves for our mistakes, as the more empathic we are to others will we be to ourselves. This is the power of love.
