There are a few definitions of love. First, love is a strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties. Second, love shows affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests. Third, a person who shows love is unselfish, loyal and shows concern for the good of another. Are you as confused as I am with the true definition of love?
If you’re like me, you say the word love more than once throughout your day. As the excitement of the new year passes, you start to see pink, red and white colors in the stores. The advertisements for flowers and the word love appear almost everywhere you look. Sometimes, we misuse or overuse the word. Most people experience love in their lives. To me, love is something I experience every day. It’s the subtle things in life that express love. Every morning I wake up, I’m thankful to experience another day. This allows me to show a strong affection and gives me the strength to make the best out of my day, whether my body agrees with me or not.
Love Through Compassion
I try my best to show compassion for other power wheelchair users and what they may be going through or experiencing both physically and mentally. I am an open book when it comes to my mental and physical experiences with my disability and this has helped myself and others get the most out of life. I’m always learning and and taking interest in other people. Some of my friends joke around and call me “old.”
Growing up, I have spent a decent amount of time around individuals who are older than myself. I always want to learn and being a good listener is key to success. You cannot solve a problem if you do not take the time to listen and understand the problem that needs solving. Being a good listener can allow you to thrive at your job and most importantly, adapt to any situations or challenges you may face in life, whether those challenges are mental or physical.
Love Through Loyalty
Being loyal is huge. It doesn’t matter how you show loyalty. Some show loyalty by starting and finishing college. Some show loyalty to their jobs by serving a full career. Some show loyalty to a boyfriend or girlfriend or husband or wife. Loyalty can strengthen your love for yourself.
Love in Other Ways
It’s 7:30 in the morning and the weather is 68 degrees outside. I’m sitting in my power wheelchair with my laptop while writing this blog. The sun is just over the horizon, with colors of vibrant yellow and orange. A huge smile is on my face and I feel like everything is falling into place. I feel love. Not just from the natural beauty I’m experiencing but knowing my friends and family care about me. Sometimes, all it takes is a reminder to remember how loved you are. You may be far away from the people you love yet love always shines through in any situation you face in life. For me, I have the ability to feel love and the ability to show love to the world.
About Josh McDermott: Josh uses a power wheelchair for mobility and is a brand ambassador for Quantum Rehab®. He is a public speaker and has served as a goodwill ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Josh lives in New York and loves to travel. Click here to learn more about Josh.