February, the month of lovers, of Cupid, of Valentine’s Day, etc. The shortest month of the year, but the only one attributed to Love with a capital A.

Of course, February is almost always associated with love as a couple. A loving couple will always be, for me, something mysterious and complex at the same time. And far be it from me to give you advice on this subject.

However, I would like to talk to you about love in general. Love in the broadest sense of the word. Love that gives positive energy, that makes us see people and things differently. Love for everyone we meet and everything we do. Love for our children (that’s easy), our work, our clients, our colleagues, our boss, our neighbours, our family, our in-laws, our friends, etc.

But also love for those who do not think like us, who do not practice the same religion as us, who do not dress like us, who are not the same age as us, and more.

I know it’s not easy to love everyone, but loving doesn’t necessarily mean rubbing shoulders, it just means respecting everyone. Obviously, this attitude (i.e. habit) should start with each of us. If we wait for others to love us before we start loving them, it will never happen.

Personally, I am deeply convinced that an extremely positive energy comes out of us when we have love for other people. This energy transforms people and relationships.

I have experienced this so many times with those who are not happy about being forcibly invited by their boss to one of my conferences. Yet a simple smile, a handshake, naming their name and taking a genuine interest in them is enough to make their opinion of me do a 180 degree turn.

But it is so much easier to criticise, hate and reject. It takes a lot more self-love to accept the other as they are.

So in this month of February, why not make an effort to systematically love people for who they are and not for what you want them to be. If you do, you will surely discover a new side of them… and of yourself.

Happy February!