Have you ever thought about all the different kinds of love?  There is the love we feel for a child.  There is a love we feel for a pet.  There is also love we feel for parents and family.  There is a kind of love we feel for a job or career, a love for travel, or even a love for art.  There are so many different kinds of love, and all lead to happiness and enjoyment.  You may have other ways to experience love, at least I hope you do.  Finding love increases happiness, and it can also decrease depression.  Having love in your life is important, even if it is not the love of a partner.

I have counseled so many people over my career.   Many were lonely, depressed and anxious about the future.  Some had just lost a loved one, or a job.  Others were making a transition in life that caused concern and fear about what comes next.   Some were looking for love, that they were struggling to find.  When I talked with my patients about goals, if they talked about love, we talked about what kind of love they already had, and other types of love they were looking to find.  Of the many questions I asked of them, that seemed to be the most difficult.  When you are feeling depressed and anxious, it’s hard to remember the love you already have.  

As you think about your life, what parts do you love?  If you can’t think of any, ask your family or friends.  Ask your coworkers what they love.  Ask your friends about what they love.  As others talk about what they love, allow it to help you better understand the love you have already and what you might be looking to find.  Many people feel that they are alone, with no love, but we are only alone if we want to be.   Some are afraid to reach out for fear of being rejected, and others have burned bridges that may need to be rebuilt. Anything is possible, even rebuilding bridges that you might think were long burned and buried. 

Losing a loved one or a pet can be devastating.  Losing a job can change your life forever, but loss and change can lead to deeper love, of others and yourself.  I had a pet before I was married, and before I was a mother.  My pet meant the world to me, and I often took her everywhere.  She was my security and my world, until my children were born.  When she passed away, I was devastated, but the other loves in my life helped me manage the loss.  The more love you can bring into your life, the happier you can be.  Love the theater.  Love crafting.  Love photography.  Find the love of a partner.  Mend relationships with your family or friends.  Developing new relationships and new loves can be a part of your future.  Seek them out, for your happiness.

Whatever kind of love you have in your life, and whatever kind of love you might be looking for, don’t stop looking.  As you nurture the different kinds of love in your life, enjoy them all.   Having many different kinds of love in your life can make things that much better.  Different kinds of love can help you get through difficult situations, and struggles.  Don’t give up on love.  It can be worth the risk, and be a part of being happy, for life.