Many of us take life for granted because we consciously or subconsciously believe we will always have time. We wake up each morning and take it for granted which is evident by:

The way we greet the day
Treat others
We complain about having to get up and go to work, school, etc.

We pick up our gadgets before acknowledging God,/love, our significant other (the one we SAY we love and in some cases prayed for; and for the ones who are married, the one we promised God and all those witnesses that we would love and honor), the children we prayed for and in some cases had challenges conceiving.

We allow work, social media, emotional wounds, etc. consume our minds, heart and body that we are like mere shells moving through the most amazing gift we could ever have…LIFE.

We are never present, always living in the past or the future. Regretting or longing for what was or we believe should’ve been and dreaming and anticipating the future. But why, because when that long sought out ‘future’ arrives, it becomes the present and look at how we treat the present.

Every time you give your attention and energy to something other than the person (i.e. spouse, child, friend, family, etc.) who is in front of you trying to share and include you into their world you are conveying to them:

You are not as important as….

I am not interested in what you have to say.

I am not present.

I am partially ignoring you.

…and over time, these individuals will stop sharing and including you and you will not even notice because you are not present. It is not until you become present will you feel the absence of others. Life is not guaranteed. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Stop walking through life as if you will always have an opportunity to connect, love, correct, apologize, appreciate, grow, nurture, hold, kiss, make love, speak, etc.

Life is a gift.

The only guarantee is the present moment.

Stop wasting it.

Stop taking it for granted.

According to the most recent research an estimated 6,775 people die each day. I am sure the majority of them did not when there last day was going to be. If there is ANYTHING keeping you from being present, giving and receiving love then REMOVE it! Do your work! Obtain a therapist to heal your emotional wounds which will shift your perspective and make room in your heart and mind. – Misha N. Granado, MPH, MS

Today we begin our 6 Ways to Speak Love Series and the first tip is Honor Your Word.

✔ Can others depend on you?

✔ Is your word similar to a verbal contract, meaning you do what you say you are going to do?

✔ Are you on time for appointments, including social ones with friends and family?

When you honor your word, you establish, strengthen and cultivate trust in your relationships which is a way of speaking love.

Love Grows Suggestion: Beginning today, start to practice being #impeccable with your word. If you cannot do something, do not commit to it. If you do not want to do something, honor your truth, articulate your stance and do not commit to doing it if you know you will not follow through. If you commit to something, honor it or if needed, follow up with the appropriate individuals and make the necessary changes. Honor your word at all times and with everyone, including your children. - Misha N. Granado, MPH, MS