365 rules to live by 11/18/15

Everyday for the next year I will be posting a new Inspirational Rule to consider living by. I hope you enjoy.
Rule #34 11/18/15

Give of Yourself Without Hesitation. 

Love is transformational. It’s one of those resources that never end no matter how much you give away. I believe in a love that unconditional. I believe that we have been conditioned to see love as something that we need to capitalize on. That is comes with guarantees and expectations. Genuine unconditional love allows you to love yourself first, so that you have the strength of heart and mind to give that same selfless acceptance to another person. Unconditional love is not a loan needing to be repaid, a string-less gift of the heart - a gesture where only you benefit directly.

It is not unconditional love when other people like us for doing what they want or because we give them what they demand of us. Under those conditions we’re just “paying” for love in a way (or literally in some cases) with what we do to get that attention. We can be certain that we’re receiving unconditional love only when we make foolish mistakes, when we fail to do what other people want, and even when we get in their way, but they don’t feel disappointed or irritated with us. When we make a seemingly poor choice about our lives, take a wrong turn, undo or sabotage our own happiness. It is unconditional love that keeps them right there, not judging or punishing but loving without conditions. It’s that love alone that has the power to heal all wounds, bind people together, and creates relationships quite beyond our present capacity to imagine.
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It is not about who is worthy or what we have done for another – it’s about giving something of ourselves without question or looking back to see if someone is grateful or expecting a thank you in any way. Guilt & Fear have no place in the same sentence or room with love. Conditioning your will only bring more harm to your own life, if you truly love – let it be unconditional. Give the gift of yourself with no question and no expectations. ~Will "Story" Rivera