Choose Love

We are always in choice. Every day, in every interaction, we make choices—consciously or unconsciously—about how we show up, how we connect, and how we respond to the world around us.

I recall a coaching exercise that beautifully illustrated this truth. The class stood in two circles—an inner and an outer. Face to face with another person, we were given a simple yet profound choice: How would we greet one another? A handshake or a hug?

As the circle turned and each new person stood before me, I took a deep breath, looked them in the eye, and made my choice. Surprisingly, every time, I chose to hug. With each embrace, I felt a sense of warmth, connection, and affirmation.

There was only one instance where the other person extended a handshake instead. Though my choice was to hug, I gladly accepted their handshake with an open heart, knowing that love isn’t just one action—it’s an energy, an intention, a way of being.

This was a turning point for me because I am not a “huggy-huggie” type of person. That evening, I recall coming home and hugging each member of my family. There is a saying by Virginia Satir, a respected family therapist, "We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth." That night, I realized how powerful a simple embrace could be—not just for others, but for myself.

On the brink of Valentine’s Day, I invite you to reflect: What are you choosing?

Love isn’t confined to romance; it is in our words, our actions, our willingness to be present. It can be expressed in kindness to a stranger, a moment of patience with a loved one, or even self-compassion in our inner dialogue.

Today, I invite you to choose love—in whatever form that may take. A smile, a word of encouragement, a moment of gratitude. However you choose to show up, let love be your guide.

💛 How will you choose love today? Share in the comments! #ChooseLove #ConsciousLiving #ValentinesChoice