What If I Told You I Loved You?

acceptance connection love Feb 18, 2025

Would you believe me?

Or would you do that thing you always do - shrug it off, make a joke, change the subject? Maybe you’d stiffen just a little, wondering what the catch is. Because love - real, unconditional, no-strings-attached love - is a tricky thing to receive when you’re not used to it.

You might not expect me to say this, but I do love you.

Not in some grand, over-the-top way. Not because you’ve done anything to earn it. But just because you’re here. Because you’re human…and so am I. Because I believe we’re all connected by a divine thread. Because I know what it’s like to feel unseen, to wonder if you matter, to hold yourself together in a world that doesn’t always know what to do with the parts of you that don’t fit neatly into a box.

Love Is ALL There Is

I say this all the time - not because it sounds nice, but because I’ve lived long enough to know it’s true. Strip everything else away - the expectations, the obligations, the stories we tell ourselves - and what’s left?

Love.

Not the kind that gets wrapped up in fairy tales or Hallmark cards. Not the kind that demands or bargains. The kind that just is. The kind you show up with, even when you’re tired. The kind you offer, even when you know it might not be returned.

The kind you choose to give.

I used to think love had to be big, loud, dramatic…or maybe passionate—that it had to feel like something. That it had to shake you awake and make your heart race. But now? I know better.

Love is in the tiny, quiet moments:

💛 The person who’s there when you need them.
💛 The friend who texts just to check in.
💛 The deep breath you take before responding instead of reacting.
💛 The way a dog looks at you, like you hung the dang moon.
💛 The moment you say, I’ll keep trying, even when you want to give up.

And trust me, it is a choice. Some days, it’s an easy one. Other days, it’s a struggle - one that requires you to stand in front of your own fears, your own wounds, and say, I will not let this harden me.

Because Love Isn't Always Soft

Love sets boundaries. Love says enough when you’ve given too much. Love is walking away when staying would mean losing yourself.

I’ve learned that love isn’t just about holding on. Sometimes, it’s about letting go.

Letting go of old stories.

Letting go of who people needed you to be.

Letting go of waiting for permission to take up space in your own damn life.

Truth is, I haven’t always done this perfectly. I still don’t. But I try. Every day, I try.

Most People Suck at Receiving Love

We love others easily, but when it comes to receiving love? That’s where we freeze.

So let me ask you:

Do you change the subject when someone gives you a compliment?
Do you brush off kindness, saying “Oh, you don’t have to do that” instead of just letting yourself receive?
Do you believe love has to be earned? That you have to be good enough, productive enough, thin enough, successful enough before you deserve it?

I get it. I do. I’ve done all those things. But here’s a beautiful truth: love is not a transaction.

You don’t have to earn it.
You don’t have to prove yourself first.
You don’t have to do anything except be.

So What If I Told You I Loved You?

Not in a fluffy way. Not in a because-I-have-to way. But in a real, messy, I-see-you-even-when-you-don’t-see-yourself kind of way.

Would you take it? Would you let yourself believe it?

Because the world sure as heck isn’t handing out love like it’s free. But I am.

And if you ever forget? If you ever doubt that you matter?

I’ll be right here.

Reminding you.

Your Challenge—If You’re Brave Enough

Before you move on, try something.

Accept a compliment without deflecting. Just say “Thank you.” That’s it. No qualifiers.
Let someone love you today. Let them help you. Let them show up for you. Don’t talk them out of it. Accept their act of kindness.

Do one small thing to show love - for someone else, for yourself, for this messy, beautiful life you’re living.