Psychologists have noted that among our basic emotional needs are for security, self-worth, and significance. Love is considered the groundwork and interface for all of these needs.

The deeper question we must ask ourselves as a society and individuals is who is going to provide for these needs? I think most of us try to provide for these needs within our own personal relationships, but do we ever consider expanding outside our circles and ensuring that others emotional needs are met? Can we love strangers with the same passion, purity and presence as our spouses or family?

I believe so and I will even take it one step further and say it is probably the greatest thing we can do.

I spent many of my younger years on the streets, living in my car or staying where ever I could find shelter and a smile. If it had not been for the many open hearts and minds that welcomed me into their life and provided me with companionship, understanding and generosity I could have very easily thought the world a bitter place that had no concerns for someone in my situation.

Fortunately I found the opposite – people who genuinely connected with me and my plight, who cared enough to ensure that my basic emotional needs were fulfilled and loved me as though I were one of their own. This brings me to a very important part of the equation – This love and willingness to be there made me feel significant.

When we feel significant life has meaning, we feel (true or not) that we have higher purpose. When someone invests time, energy and effort in another, it has the power to turn situations around change people and ultimately change the world. It costs us nothing to make this a reality, only a willingness to stop being obsessed by our own needs and turn outward to provide what we all need.

Love is not the answer to everything, but sharing it can create a climate in which we can all grow, prosper and fuel our basic needs. So today try to genuinely love, try to give the gifts of security, self worth and significance to everyone you have contact with. It does not have to be big, just sincere. Remember we can never truly receive that which we are not willing to give away!

Peace and Love, Jim