Love

I LOVE the Season of Goodwill

noreply@blogger.com (The White Dove Partnership) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:46:00 +0000

Are you enjoying your festive season? The season of goodwill to all (wo)men?

I am. And for one pertinent reason in particular......to give!

Did you know that the secret to living is giving?

Well it is, and here's why;

Christmas and the holiday spirit that is part of the festive season, provides us with many opportunities to share our love and our time with others. Some needy, some grateful, some wanting to give back, and all simply wanting that magical of all feelings, LOVE.

The gifts of time and celebration enable us to share our love around. There's plenty of it, so it's not like anyone is going to be drained, we simply open our hearts to give and - yes - receive love, which comes in a variety of different forms.

Most important before I go on, is that we be able to RECEIVE the love that is offered to us, as well as being able to GIVE it. There must exist receivers, for the givers to bestow upon. It's logical and imperative to our society that we do both, so a balance can be achieved! I know you know this, it's simply a loving reminder.

With regard to the different forms of love we give and receive, I am sure you know of someone - if it isn't exactly you - who has been on the receiving end of a hand-knitted jumper or scarf that isn't quite a trendy garment - rather a thoughtful and loving gesture. How was that gift received? With a smile of thanks? Anything less would of course be an insult, as love was surely created from the heart within the time it took to knit the item.

All gifts, whether small or large, tangible or otherwise, are heart-felt. We must accept these displays of affection with gratitude and in return, give our own gift of love in the knowledge that we are creating a loving and harmonious community or family. It is what we genuinely desire most! I challenge you to ask yourself how true this is for you and your ideals.

The gifts of time and celebration that are especially entwined at this time of year are ours to do with as we please, and those of us who lead busy lives throughout the rest of the year get a purposeful reason to slow down and experience joy and peace with our friends and families. Not that we need any excuses of course, however we do have one if need be!

Let's also remember that some people do not experience joy and peace at this time of year, and others are unaware that it's even Christmas! As you are reading this from a computer connected to the internet, my guess is that you may well be one of the fortunate ones bestowed with some form of wealth or luck. I hope you are aware of and grateful for this ability to be worldly-wise! Again, I am.

I have always loved Christmas - for other reasons too. As one of life's eternal children, I enjoy receiving presents that provide me with a challenge, like a fun-packed game I can play alone or with others. I always get at least one, as everyone knows what I enjoy most and so they package up their love for me in brightly coloured paper for me to open with glee and giggles, just so they can look on and witness how much joy they have given me. I am as happy as can be, with every present I am lucky enough to receive....just one big kid sitting on the floor enjoying herself, surrounded by love. I know I am lucky too!

I take Christmas seriously, as I know it means more than simply giving and receiving presents. For some it has religious meaning. For me, it stores sentimental memories of special people that are no longer with me. With this thought I am aware that there are others who have also lost, and some that are alone and bereft. I feel very strongly for those that are not able to enjoy the festivities as I do.

I know of a great many people who contribute their their time at Christmas to the needy and this is indeed a loving gesture. I believe it brings the true spirit of Christmas to the fore, creating very strong feelings of love. When you see the gratitude on someone's face, someone who expected nothing and seemingly got everything, someone who thought they had won a prize but didn't enter a competition, someone whose surprise and shock created a silence of staggering proportions, and someone whose look says it all, then you have both bestowed and received the spirit of Christmas.....the greatest gift of all......the secret to living...... and a present to be proud of!

As it is now the eve of a new year, I wish you 365 fantastic presents, 1 every 24 hours, with all my love and all my gratitude. If you choose to accept these presents, what will you do with them? If you have been at all affected by my outpourings of love, I ask you to simply love someone who might not love you back, parcel up a gift and send it to someone anonymously, create space in your heart for love to grow and always love your self whatever you choose to do.

Remember, the secret to living is giving, and as yesterday is history and tomorrow a mystery, today therefore is a gift and that's why we call it the Present!....Use it wisely and lovingly.

Love to you and your family at this exciting time of year when you have a new year to plan new goals with a new mindset and a new presence.

Happy 2009.

My love always,

Andrea Nicole Smart

If you always do what you always did,

You'll always get what you always got.

Make a decision today that gets you excited,

And love every single moment of your life.

I LOVE to Smile :o)

noreply@blogger.com (The White Dove Partnership) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:18:00 +0000

If there's one way to create a warm fuzzy feeling in the centre of my being, it's smiling.

For some reason, the small act of using a few facial muscles to raise the corners of my mouth, lights me up inside, gives me the giggles and puts a spring in my step.

I've been incredibly busy recently, and feeling a trifle overloaded, I could have fallen prey to what I loosely call 'stress'. I don't believe it needs to exist within any of us and so I take steps to ensure it doesn't exist within me.

I SMILE!

Simple really, one might think, yet for some it doesn't seem to enter their minds as they go about their day with little self-expression. When I see others in such a predicament, I smile warmly at them and hold their gaze. Most do actually smile back and some even laugh.

We aren't always present to our demeanour - that is, our state - and our body language can make some interesting state-ments as to how we are feeling. So when caught unawares, our natural or sub-concious response is to smile.

You ever found that? You turned round, saw someone smiling at you and smiled back without thinking about it? It's instinctive. We smiled as babies! No one taught us how to, and yet our faces still beamed with joy. We weren't even old enough to understand the language being spoken to us, we just copied the smiling face above ours and smiled as widely as our mouths would let us. Interesting when you go back to basics isn't it?

As we grow up, there seems - for some - to be a certain stigma about smiling. Like our faces might crack!! Like we'll give the wrong impression. That it isn't 'cool'. Or even that it isn't appropriate! Well, if a simple innocent smile isn't appropriate, what is? I see so many people on their daily journeys with straight faces, some looking down, and as for eye contact, well it's mostly non-existent.

So I know there are many people not being present to what they - and others - could enjoy, just for fun! And for FREE!

This life we live - it's about LOVE, joy, happiness, growth and fun! It's about making a difference. It's about living! A smile can help lift people's spirits whether they are wearing one or watching one.

How do you feel when you smile?

Try smiling now, and feel the sensation. And I really mean smile - where your eyes twinkle and crease, your cheeks bunch up and your teeth are all on show - like the Joker's smile!

What's happening? Stay present and alert to your body's responses.

Now, take a deep cleansing breath - yes, whilst you're still smiling - think about something funny or someone close to you. Do you feel another change in your state? Do your shoulders quiver? Do you breathe out some giggly sounds? Can you feel a tingling sensation? Are you in fact laughing?!

Well when I do this, even my ears pull back! I must have been given some extra muscles secured to my large Dad-like ears, and yet the sensation of my ears moving, simply makes me giggle more. Well it tickles!!

I feel that there's no time like the present to smile. Whenever that is! Wherever that is! There need be no reason, season, climate or point to a smile, just smile because you love to, too!

Just think, your bright smile might just be the tonic that someone else needs - right at that moment. Smile for yourself and for those that aren't - you may find your smile is infectious and that really is cool!

If you found this blog because you were looking for LOVE - then you've found it!

By smiling, you are telling the world you are happy - and everyone loves happy people. You got this far, so share a smile with someone and see what happens.

I dare you!

From one happy smiling person to another, I send you gratitude and LOVE, as always and for all ways!

If you've enjoyed this little conversation we've been having, come back on a regular basis, as I cover all things to do with LOVE - there are heaps of it everywhere! Honestly.

Oh, and here's a final thought - if you are challenged with pain - whatever it is - here's another beautiful set of lyrics from a wonderful smiley man; Mr Nat King Cole. It's called.....SMILE!

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through, for you.

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile.

Andrea Nicole Smart

LOVE & Remembrance

noreply@blogger.com (The White Dove Partnership) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:02:00 +0000

Today in the UK, many people from all walks of life are remembering their lost loved ones. The community comes together and pulls together to create a day of love, for why else would we be remembering those lost to our day-to-day lives, if not for LOVE?!

The act of remembrance is within us all. Most of us mourn or grieve for someone. It's natural. I love that we find this time to love, to give thanks, and to smile in celebration of people's lives too! Sorrow and joy are so closely united. For most of us, one normally follows the other, as if we are playing tag! This is natural too, and is referred to as perfect balance.

I believe that for us to truly understand and appreciate love, we will be required to measure it somehow, against something else that doesn't feel quite so good! Then it's up to us to live in a state in which we feel most comfortable. It's rare that someone living doesn't know of someone close to them that has died. This being the case, we will all have felt some kind of sorrow, before we pass away ourselves.

Now, I am someone who has lost people very close to me through industrial disease, knife crime, cancer, and through 'natural' causes as well. I miss them and mourn them and remember them through the connection we had when they were alive in human form and therefore visible to me. Because their bodies have died, I cannot see them or hold them, however I can feel them and see them around me, in the special legacies they have left behind. This is what comforts me.

The 'fallen' War Heroes are remembered for their acts of bravery. Their total acts of contribution in offering their lives to save the lives of others, and therefore, their commitment to love. Because they didn't return, we love them even more, and we remember them at the Festival of Remembrance and specifically at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. It has been this way for 90 years, since Armistice day on 11th November 1918, the end of the Great War, World War I.

As creature of habits, we continue to mourn, to remember, to love and to fight! What would be a beautiful commemoration to our lost loved ones, would be the world at peace. Everyone loving one another one day after another. Every day, and in every way.

There are so many reasons to love, and we strive to do so by setting aside time for memories, for family time, for socialising, for companionship, for intimacy, for laughs and for tears. Perfect.

Let's all remember at this time, that the moment we forget about love, in anger, in rage or in temper, we take away the love within us, which has provided us with so much peace and happiness. We also dare to share our disruption with others and so we pass on our discomfort, rather than our love. Remember this, when next you hear, see or do something that is not connected with love.

I am positive that with the 'Festival of Remembrance and Love' being a daily act of kindness by all, in addition to a yearly commemoration, the world will be a better place for you and for me.

As this last thought came to mind, so did another; The timeless lyrics of Michael Jackson's chorus in 'Heal the World'..

"Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me and the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make a better place for
You and for me".

I do hope this thought is as poignant for you as it is for me.

I have loved tripping off down memory lane with you today, and I encourage YOU to go there, and relive fond, happy and loving memories whenever you feel the need or desire. Take 2 minutes to recall anything you know will bring you to a state of grace and love, at the 11th hour on the forthcoming 11th day of the 11th month; 11am on 11th November. Then share that memory with someone and feel your heart burst with love. If your eyes fill with tears too, then you really did find something special to recall. Join me in a global hug and make love and peace the order of the day.

I wish you peace and love, and happy memories, on this Remembrance weekend, and forever more.

Til next time, thank you for your love. If you hadn't felt something, you wouldn't still be reading!

Blessings to you and yours,

Andrea Nicole Smart

Unrequited LOVE

noreply@blogger.com (The White Dove Partnership) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:03:00 +0000

Have you ever loved another whilst they didn't love you?

It can be one of the most painful feelings to experience.

So much so, that some have felt they were dying with the pain.

It can get the better of your mind when the one you choose does not choose you.

For some, it takes a very long time to get over. For others, a shorter period.

Why do you think this is?

I ask this because I have often wondered why it appears our heart is breaking, when our love is not returned. It certainly isn't logical, as although we connect love with our heart, it's actually formed in our mind.

I became so inquisitive, that I came to understand the source of love from the works of Dr John Demartini. We become stimulated by the effects another has on our senses. A connection to another through our desires and needs.

We may desire a characteristic we do not have but want.

We may need a partner that shares our own likes.

The feeling of love is born in our mind and is felt in our body, in our heart, through all of our nerve endings, just like electricity. And because we have many varied needs and desires in a partner, we will attract and be attracted in varied ways.

Some will be attracted by another's mind. Liking that person's ideas, humour and stimulating conversation.

Others will find that they connect initially from a heartwarming affection, respect and feeling comfortable and safe.

Then there are those who are instantly and sexually attracted to each other, with excitement and tingling lust bursting forth.

Complications can be faced when two people do not feel the same! If one's feelings aren't mirrored, the 'relationship' can be imbalanced.

For example you can lust after somone who only likes you, or love someone who is only capable of lust.

The verbally communicated expectations from one to another, will exacerbate the situation if there is no mutual respect present, and pain from heartbreak can ensue!

A love or longing not returned by another can indeed be one of the most painful feelings, and I do believe that at some point during our lives, all of us will experience it in some form or another.

And still, we seek love!

It is one of the main reasons I believe, that we are here on earth. To love, to cherish, to respect, and to connect, so we can procreate and build harmonious communities.

It doesn't always work out for some. It can work out first time for others!

What matters, is that we learn from our experiences. That we continue to seek love and build beautiful relationships.

If someone is spurned, do they really have the need or the right to take it out on the other? It is simply a matter of connection. It may well not be there with some people we desire. It's not their fault, it is just that way.

I hear about members of both sexes rubbishing the other sex, saying they are all bad, and this simply isn't true! It's so obvious, because there are true, enduring relationships already in existence. Just look around. It's impactful when we see signs of love, and could be encouraging for those that desire a relationship.

I had an experience myself of unrequited love, a long while ago. Yes it was painful. Yes it lasted a long time, and yes, I got over it! I had the love and respect of my wonderful Parents who let me grieve, and then gently prodded me to move on. I never tagged all men with a horrid label, I simply understood that he wasn't the one for me.

I didn't go looking for someone to replace him either. I simply looked for fun and happiness, and me. I know I lost touch with who I was, during this painful period, and when I was ready to move on, I did.

I know that I make this sound so logical and simple here. Well, I only have a brief moment to put my findings across to you. Yet I do know that unrequited love is very much logical, if we can see past the immediate pain.

Love always helps us to heal and in this instance, I will always recommend that we look to connect with another love existing around us that will heal us and help us through our trying times.

For me it was my Parents' love. For others it could be friendships with wonderful, loving people. There may even be the love we feel for and from our pets. In all cases, it turns out that unbeknownst to us (at the time) it is our love for ourselves that eventually comes to the fore and provides the healing.

If you are going through an experience similar to what I have been discussing here, I urge you to have a conversation with yourself. Ask yourself whether the person on the receiving end of your affections is exactly right for you! If they were, they would surely see you in the same light as you see them?! Isn't this what you would prefer? We cannot make people love us! There are so many people in this world seeking a love that fulfills them, just like you. We are not alone in our desire to find 'the one'.

Let's all be honorable with our love and our desires, and not resentful. There is someone for each of us, with the qualities we desire. Allow that perfect person to walk into your life, by being the best person you can be.

Make a list of the qualities you would like in your perfect person, and adopt these characteristics for yourself. You will attract people based on who you are being.

Go for it! Make the world a happier place for YOU!

BE the change you desire to see in the world....

BE the person you desire to attract.....

Love all others.....with the love you would like for yourself....

Love yourself....

If love is really what you want!

Love will then find you!

I do hope you have found this useful. I speak only from a loving heart and mind, and I send you love and respect for choosing to live a life with love in it!

Until the next time, be patient, loving and kind.

Andrea Nicole Smart

The Love of Power vs The Power of LOVE

noreply@blogger.com (The White Dove Partnership) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 07:37:00 +0000

There seems to be a battle of wills taking place on both sides of the pond right now.

In the USA, Barack Obama and John McCain are in competition to win the voters' support for the Whitehouse seat. Here in the UK, we are experiencing some disquiet with regard to our own Prime Minister.

Now, far be it for me to get involved in all these political discussions and pass on my opinion to you, I would rather concentrate on discussing how this type of scenario exists within us all individually, and within groups.

When you read the title of this blog, what emotions stirred within you? Did you have an opinion of your own? I know how I feel. If I look within me in years gone past, I have been a victim of my own decision to compete with others (as well as with my own loving nature) and go for the power. My single-mindedness did me no favours as I charged toward my goal, and rather than embracing people along the way with peripheral viewpoints, I chose tunnel-vision and solitude.

Did I get there? Not even close! Instead I back-tracked, licked my wounds, assessed the situation and began to make amends, because it is possible to re-acquaint ourselves with those whom we passed by, if it comes from the heart.

Had I chosen to make my attempt at gaining a more powerful position about benefiting the people, then I believe I would have experienced success. The attitude with which we treat people, determines our real power and by this I mean if we love and care for one another, help others before helping ourselves, we will be supported by others, loved and trusted too.

Being honest, I am happy to have experienced this, as I know for sure, that I now have a greater depth of feeling and understanding about both sides of a challenge. And I will always know which choice to make.

The Power of Love is very much the number 1 key to peace and happiness in our global society.

How does it feel when you take the initiative, time and sometimes patience, to do something for someone else, over and above your own needs and requirements? How does the recipient of your care feel? Do you feel grateful for the ability to help others? It's a cute concept!

I believe that the Love of Power is something that generations of people have felt compelled to do, or risk being over-powered. For whatever reason - perhaps fear of failure was one of them - they were unable to see that a collaboration with people of the same vision had the greatest likelihood of becoming a successful method of embracing and sharing the Power of Love, gaining a peaceful solution.

Groups and individuals alike, sometimes focus on gaining support by generating feelings against an action that has been taken. For example, Anti-war rallies and petitions are created with the power of love, and yet do not provide an alternative solution. Their main focus is Against something instead of For something else! We wonder why these initiatives create a different outcome to that which we desire. However used wisely, empowering supporters with a pro-peace rally and petition, encourage solutions to be found, and bring the power of love into it's own as people join together in harmony to support their cause.

I personally prefer to feel at peace with myself and my environment, rather than even contemplate raging a war within, and so my efforts to empower love within myself and my community, focus on the positively loving aspect.

I would love to hear your own views on this tender subject, and as you can leave comments at the end of this article, please feel free to do so if you if you wish.

What examples of the Love of Power vs the Power of Love have you observed within your own environment recently?

Have you the will or the desire to make a difference in your's and others' lives?

Please share the content of this article with others, thereby sharing the love.

The Power of Love holds magical properties. See how it affects you when you are present to its magnificence.

Until the next time, power up your love.

The power to make a difference, comes from love, and you have mine for sure.

Andrea Nicole Smart

In Love With Nature

noreply@blogger.com (The White Dove Partnership) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:31:00 +0000

What is it you feel when you are amongst nature? Do you think of nature as being beautiful? Can you recall a time when the beauty of nature brought tears to your eyes?

When nature has a profound effect on you, how beautiful does this love feel?

I just came back from a wondrous holiday in Dorset, England. The beauty I saw around me took my own breath away and I did indeed feel privileged to be part of and party to an exhilarating realisation that I was both at one with, and in love with, nature.

Yes, I felt quite dreamily poetic at times, in total awe of what was before my eyes.

A keen walker, I do enjoy a ramble across the countryside, and took the greatest of opportunities to walk along the cliff tops from Lulworth Cove, past Stair hole, Durdle Door, Bats Head and beyond. Each new view culminated in the most overwhelming of feelings. If the wind didn't blur my eyes with tears, the scenery certainly did. Magic. That's what nature is. Beautiful and magical.

If you've ever been to Lulworth Cove, you'll know just what I mean. Part of the World Heritage Jurassic Coastline, the area attracts all those wanting to feast their eyes and hearts on the simple beauty of ancient geological wonders like Durdle Door and Stair Hole. Magnificence that stuns many. Made by nature.

In 1792, John O'Keefe contemplated Durdle Door from the pebbled shore, with astonishment and pleasure, a stupendous piece of nature's work.

In 2008, As I stood on the sea shore taking in the same astonishing natural arch, the sun gently warmed me from a clear blue sky. It was a perfect September morning and the sea was bringing its white tipped waves to my feet, testing me to step back, as it devoured my ankles. I was mesmerised by the sound of the water coming in and then receding, taking with it the tiny surface pebbles, as the next wave rolled in, repeating the magic again and again and again. "Shhhhhhh" came the sound, "Shhhhhhh", "Shhhhhhh". I did as I was told and remained silent. It was the most appropriate response.

I was quite sad leaving the shore behind as I climbed to the clifftop in my wet clothes. Like I was leaving a loved one behind. My throat was tight and my eyes wet. Not from the sea though! And in that moment, I knew I'd be coming back to visit my new found love.

Until I return, the magic of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door will be safely stored in my heart. I will love them forever.

I trust you too will come to know your own nature, and fall in love with it, just as it is.

Love to you and yours, all ways.

Andrea Nicole Smart
x

LOVE and Connection

noreply@blogger.com (The White Dove Partnership) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:32:00 +0000

I felt most overwhelmed the other day. Overwhelmed with love and connection.

I was shopping in my local supermarket when basket in hand, I heard a baby cry. And cry, and cry and cry. The sound felt like a vibration deep within me, and I found myself desperately wanting the crying to stop. It didn't, and as I was pacing the aisles, taking the high pitched crying into my very core, I felt an urgent need take control of me. I put my basket down on the floor and went off in search of the crying child. I didn't know why, I simply did it.

When I found Mother and Baby, I was so touched. I felt a huge lump in my throat as I looked down into the baby's red and swollen eyes. I placed a hand on the Mother's shoulder, and a finger in the palm of the baby's hand. I then spoke ever so softly to them both, that I wondered if I'd spoken at all. "Is everything okay?" I asked. "I couldn't help myself, I really had to come and find you. Is there anything you need?" The Mother looked at me kindly and said "I don't know, she won't stop crying".

I was gently moving baby's hand up and down, the way we instinctively do when we make contact with small children. I looked into the face of this beautiful child and felt great love surging from my 'bubble' into my throat. "So, you're a little upset are you?" I whispered. I smiled and bobbed my head and carried on making small talk, as the baby girl continued to cry.

The connection I felt was so strong, I was almost completely bowled over with emotion. I returned my attention to her Mum. "I hope you don't mind me coming over, her crying really got to me. However there doesn't seem to be much that I can do, unless you'd like me to look after your shopping whilst you take her for a little wander".

"You've been very kind, and I am very grateful" she replied, "I realise that I must go and find my husband who has our other children. He can take her for that wander while I get on with the shopping. Thank you so much". In that moment, I knew that the child's Mother, the child herself, and also myself, were all there, crying out for a little something that none of us understood, but all of us appreciated.

My eyes filled with tears as a rush of love took complete control and squeezing the young woman's shoulder, I choked out; "Look after each other, I wish you both well". I took off as the tears rolled down my face. Unaccustomed to emotional outbursts in a supermarket, I smiled and wiped away the tears as a couple walked by and looked on. I did not wish them to think there was anything wrong.

A little later, I saw that the little girl was indeed being joyfully paraded around the supermarket in the arms of her daddy, and felt comforted.

I will never forget the urgent connection I felt with that child, nor my instinctive response that literally propelled my feet in her direction. I may never know the reason for my compelling journey, I simply knew that to ignore it, wasn't an option.

Love comes to find us in many situations, at the unlikeliest of moments. Some of them extremely odd it would seem. When a connection or a calling is great enough to stop us in our tracks and change direction, it must be heeded for the sake of our best interests. The magic of our body's ability to give us messages which our conscious mind might otherwise have ignored, is powerful.

It is love of the highest order, and the reason we do some of the strangest things in life. take a good look at what YOU have done, and ask yourself why. I am positive that you'll be able to trace your actions right back to love.

Personally, I am grateful for such wonderful feelings, and I intend to (all ways) act on my instincts. They bring great joy.

In celebration of your own loving connections, I wish you and yours the deepest joy.

Andrea Nicole Smart

LOVE & Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (The White Dove Partnership) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:00:00 +0000

To enjoy great relationships and to achieve great visions;
Open your eyes and your heart, give love and feel grateful, frequently and abundantly.

Hello and thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your time and I hope you find it well-spent.
I have a question for you. What do you think about the statement above?

This is an absolute fact of life, proven by many personal and professional development teachers and their students!

It's not difficult once you become aware of this truth. Of course it's making a habit out of loving and being grateful, that can be the challenge. However, knowledge is key; Put this well-matched pair - love and gratitude - to work with another pair that it's difficult to separate - people and experiences - and see what you can manifest.

To love and be grateful for everything you have done and everything you have attracted into your life is to experience great acceptance where once there may have been regret. Supreme joy is yours with the realisation that NOW is PERFECT, and the pursuit of happiness is indeed being fulfilled, at this moment! Your visions will materialise before your very eyes, once the clouds have departed.

To love and be grateful for and to everyone you have known so far along your journey as well as those you know today, is to experience the great wealth of connection. That is, to know with certainty, that everyone in your life is and has been there for a reason. The people you have known, currently know and are yet to know, all bring with them guidance and opportunities. Your values will determine which ones you listen to and learn most from, and the relationships that endure, will be there because they bring sustained balance and mutual appreciation.

I have personally felt tears of love and gratitude not simply prick my eyes, but flood them and run in rivulets down my face, in recognition that the people I have known, have entered my life whilst on their own special journey and took time along the way to make an important impact on mine. Those that have left my life taught me many valuable lessons that as a student of life, I needed to learn. Those I still know as well as those I now attract are in balance with my life, providing me with everything - including those ever important life lessons - I need to continue my journey and achieve my purpose, in the name of and with, love and gratitude.

I enjoy great relationships because my heart is open and loving to all, and my goals and visions are now achievable because clarity has opened my eyes. Can you improve your relationships? Are your visions and goals clear and congruant with your values and purpose? Love & gratitude are key tools I can heartily recommend.

With love and gratitude to you and yours,

Andrea Nicole Smart
x

All You Need Is LOVE

noreply@blogger.com (The White Dove Partnership) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:52:00 +0000

Hello dear friend: I watched a really enjoyable film recently, which featured a lot of BEATLES songs from the 60's. One song really struck a chord - All You Need Is LOVE - and I didn't even wonder why. It was obvious, as it fits in so well with my personal outlook on life.

The film was called Across the Universe, and it occurred to me that there are many people in the world, all singing these same uplifting tunes, and acting them out differently in life. Many don't actually realise that the message they hear is for them, and proceed with their limiting beliefs after the song has finished.

Are those singing along merrily to the music actually present to the words their mouths are producing?

Do we consciously take in the inspirational messages that some songs deliver into our homes and our lives?

What do YOU think?

I like to believe that on an unconscious level, my mind takes these beautiful messages I have so readily accepted as song lyrics and as a gift to me, fills my heart with their love and joy, which my blood then carries to every cell in my body, hence having the spirited energy and inclination to sing, dance, wiggle, toe-tap and laugh. More recently I have become conscious of all the messages that are delivered to me in music, sounds, conversations and actions, even bird-song! I am learning all the time from my own love-ly environment.

E-motion is good for us. Love, is good for us, and if derived from music, then as per the words of another Beatles' classic, 'Let It Be'. Consider listening to the wise words of great musicians, as they are teachers too.

Some of you might not know of The Beatles' repertoire, and with such powerful lyrics, how could I not share one of their most appropriate songs with you here. So for you, courtesy of The Beatles, is; ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE!

Love, Love, Love.
Love, Love, Love.
Love, Love, Love.

There's nothing you can do that can't be done.
Nothing you can sing that can't be sung.
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game.
It's easy.

Nothing you can make that can't be made.
No one you can save that can't be saved.
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time.
It's easy.

All you need is love.
All you need is love.
All you need is love, love.
Love is all you need.

All you need is love.
All you need is love.
All you need is love, love.
Love is all you need.

Nothing you can know that isn't known.
Nothing you can see that isn't shown.
Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be.
It's easy.

All you need is love.
All you need is love.
All you need is love, love.
Love is all you need.

All you need is love (All together, now!)
All you need is love. (Everybody!)
All you need is love, love.
Love is all you need, love is all you need,
Love is all you need, Love is all you need,
Love is all you need, Yesterday, Love is all you need,
Love is all you need, Love is all you need.

Yee-hai!
Oh yeah!
She loves you, yeah yeah yeah.
She loves you, yeah yeah yeah.

Love to you and yours, because love is all you need.

Andrea Nicole Smart

Loving Our Self

noreply@blogger.com (The White Dove Partnership) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:20:00 +0000

Hello again. What did you think when you read my introductory article? Were you intrigued? I hope so. I got quite carried away, and enjoyed delving into my love bank. The feedback I received certainly showed that it was an enjoyable read. Of course, I want to cover one type of love at a time, so as not to deluge you with information. Therefore to get started we'll be looking at the most obvious type, which is LOVE OF SELF.

This is the first and foremost feeling of love, that once fully appreciated, will enable us to better understand and enjoy our external loves, that is those feelings we have for others.

Now, I'd like YOU to ask YOURSELF this question, which is better spoken out loud: "Do I love me?"

Depending on your mind and body responses to that question, you will have come up with a number of thoughts, that are with you right now. These words that just sprung into your mind, are based on your in-tuition, and can be trusted.

Let's take a look at how I love ME. This hasn't always been easy for me to do, as I am not as pure as the driven snow. I have a multitude of experiences, that I decided to come to terms with because of conflicts with my values, and the method I used was LOVE. As I recalled the times when I felt 'sad or bad', I chose to adopt a meaning for the action that came before the feeling. What could I possibly learn from such a deed? Such a thought? What has been driving me to continually recall these occasions? These feelings?

I can tell you that the reason these memories kept coming back 'to haunt me', was because deep inside, on a sub-conscious level, I really desired to be free of the baggage. Maybe even 'forgiven'. I didn't realise that taking one simple action would allow me to be free, I once thought I had to clear it up externally! For instance, if I had hurt someone, that I must apologise and make sure they forgave me. Firstly, I am not in charge of other people's feelings, so forgiveness from others is not always granted. Secondly, it's not always possible to apologise face to face, (unless you picture their face in your mind) especially if we are going back a long time!

We CAN forgive and therefore love ourselves, and by applying a meaning to each event, learning the lessons, and loving the initial experiences, we can turn them into positives. This method works for me every time. It has allowed me to be free to experience and love life, with purpose, without baggage and with a whole different energy! Much more joyful, bouncy, vibrant and with bags of vitality.

It might not surprise you that the decisions we make and the actions we take are as a direct result of our inner choice to learn something from the experience. Some people think that on occasion, they have 'made a mistake'. If we recall times when this has seemed the case, what lesson can be applied? Can you recall such instances where you have berated yourself? Maybe still do? Use my simple method of applying a learning curve, and notice the difference.

Another method of loving myself and loving each situation I am in, is BEING GRATEFUL.

Yes, quite simply giving thanks for your challenges, your achievements, your relationships - ALL of them!, and for being YOU. It is extremely powerful, and all you do is say; "Thank you for my partner, thank you for my car, thank you for my job, thank you for the rain", or whatever you are grateful for. Even the things you think you might be better off without! Say this in the mirror to your own face with passion, a few times, and notice the feelings that course through your body. Do the hairs on the back of your arms stand on end? Do you feel near to tears? Is there a fullness about your heart? All this love and much more can be felt, just by acknowledging your thanks! And you are thanking YOU! When I do this, it really gives me the heebie-jeebies!! I get the most intense feeling of happiness, like a concentration of what I normally feel.

Going back to the question "Do I love me?", whatever your response was then, do the exercises above and ask yourself this question again. Is there a difference in the way you feel? Continue to do these simple actions and you will soon know true love of self and great inner happiness.

If you were to ask me what use love of self is, and why make it top of the love-list, I'd answer; "Because once you truly love yourself, you are free to love others with great passion and joy. That when you live with an abundance of love, in a world of love, love is all you see and attract. Your world is a mirror image of who you are, so make sure you are fabulous, and the world will look and feel fabulous too!"

I hope this has been useful to you. Please come back soon, to read my next article on LOVE.

Love as always, to you and yours,

Andrea Nicole Smart

LOVE - It's all there is!

noreply@blogger.com (The White Dove Partnership) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:45:00 +0000

Hello, and thank you for visiting my blog. This is the very first article in my specialist area of love. Why specialist? I don't have children, I'm divorced, not even married right now, yet I do enjoy a very special relationship with my partner of 6 years. This in part has enabled me to understand love, the beauty of love, the variety of feelings it brings, and the endless supply I have! I've always felt love, I mean, loads of it, so that sometimes I feel I might burst with the enormous bubble that sits in my heart. (Actually, I feel it in other places too, like my stomach, my cheeks and ears when they flush, and when the hairs on my arms stand upright) That's why I enjoy giving it away, letting it go, so it can freely flow.

I cry happy tears at the drop of a hat sometimes, (hmm, a river of love?!) and I might be in a very open place, far too inconvenient for some to be that open with feelings. Well, I have always worn my heart on my sleeve, and I am happier this way, so long may it continue.

When I refer to love being 'all there is', I mean, it was there before we were born, when we were conceived (and even before that) there was love. We were nurtured and protected as we grew inside a woman's body. Then we were lovingly brought into this world by Nurses, Doctors and Midwives, and people held us gently and looked at us with love. That's how a lot of us first knew love. As we grew through our childhood, we experienced different emotions, and still we understood what love was.

We have all felt a combination of parental love, extended family love, love from siblings, friends, teachers, boyfriends, girlfriends, marital love, our own children's love, nephews & nieces, maybe even from grandchildren. The list of different types and sources of love is endless, as we can also incorporate love from our pets and other house-guests. We express love for people, beauty, situations, in the act of being grateful, in the powerful feeling of loss. It's all about love! Even anger and pain, can be caused when love is lost, and is quickly dissipated once love is found again. Love is the most powerful emotion there is.

I love love. I do believe most people prefer to love than to feel lesser emotions. We have a choice, and herein lies my reason for writing about love as a personal development tool. Some people don't realise that the choice is ours! AND, as we learn about life, emotions and we grow and mature, for love to be in its natural unconditional state, and therefore effective, it must start with love of self!

There are a lot of people who openly love others and who will not admit to loving their self. "It's vain to love oneself" I have heard, and; "It's more important to love others". I agree it is important to love others, and in order to feel the greatest love for others, it still starts with love of self, which isn't vain if it comes from the heart instead of the head.

I am going to cover all of the above in detail over forthcoming entries, and so I do hope you'll be back to catch up with me. Love is so many things, (some say it's blind!) and if it makes you feel good, then that's a key worth keeping. It's my intention to share my many visions of love with you, for the sake of love itself.

Sending love to you and yours,

Andrea Nicole Smart.

The Blog Begins!

noreply@blogger.com (The White Dove Partnership) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:01:00 +0000

The Love blog now has a new expert author. I am plesed to welcome Andrea Nicole Smart to the chair. Andrea says, her heart is brimming full of love and she wants to share it with the world.

"I hope to grow this beautiful word in people's minds, as many misunderstand or seem afraid of it!", she commented.

I am looking forward to reading her blog over the coming months.