To Really Love The World and a lunchbox note

Hey friends and colorful humans!

Since it’s Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d share some thoughts on love. Love comes in many forms—love for people, animals, ideas, countries, and even chocolate (yes, chocolate deserves two mentions!). But when life gets tough, that list can shrink. In Atlas of the Heart, Brené Brown says that love isn’t something we give or get; it’s something we nurture and grow. A connection between two people can only be cultivated when it exists within each of them. We can only love others as much as we love ourselves.

That last part has been on my mind lately. What if this year, along with all the other things you love, you decide to love yourself too? Let today be the start of being heart-centered toward yourself. Write a list of the things you kinda sorta like about yourself. Make a Valentine for you. Give yourself the warm, gentle, nurturing words you so easily offer others. Healing the way you talk to yourself is crucial.

A few years back, my daughter noticed that I wasn’t treating myself kindly. I lifted everyone else up while putting down my own efforts, body, voice, and everything in between. It was a lifetime of insecurity speaking. One day, she taped a little reminder to my art desk that said, Be A Kind Creature. Now, every time I sit down to work, I tell my little self one good thing. Then, I drew her a friendly cat with the same message.

Most of the people in your life are wonderful, but remember—people are human, and humans have flaws. I’ve had moments when I felt unloved or let down. Don’t add to that list in your own mind every day. From my experience, the only two who will love you completely and unconditionally are God and you. And the only one you need to convince is yourself.

So today, let’s spread some love and positivity. Believe in yourself, my dear! Believe you are worthy of love. Believe you have a beautiful smile and enchanting eyes. Believe in your kind soul and adventurous spirit. Believe you can move mountains and maybe even save the world with your art (I threw that one in for me!). But most importantly, believe in the love you give yourself.

Sending you lots of love and hugs this Valentine’s Day.

Much Love,Marissa

This weeks Lunchbox Note:

To Keep or spread some Joy, Hate Has No Home Here

I just love the idea of tiny things, so here is a tiny thing you can make today.

This link will take you to the project on Instagram

Click Me

A Reminder That Winter Is Still Here

Warm Light Feels Like Home @ChasingtheCloudsstudio

Quote I’m holding onto:

“Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.”―L.R. Knost

Thanks for Reading I Draw Home- an Artist Newsletter