I write and speak a lot about fear versus love. Fear is easy to identify. We definitely know when fear starts to creep in; our body becomes tense, blood pressure starts to rise, and feelings of anxiety emerge. Fear is not a good feeling! Why would we continue to go there repeatedly?

Where love and spirit are internal to us, fear and ego are external. Turning to others for approval or acceptance, points us in the direction of ego, external to ourselves.When we live in the past, we live in the ego. It’s the same old song. Reliving those events, involving externally generated relationships, can cause tremendous pain or hurt. Each time we choose – yes, it is a choice – to live in the space of fear, we give away our power. We give it away to people or circumstance – again, an external event.

When we retain our power, we are empowered, living in a place of love and spirit.Fear paralyzes us.True, fear can be a motivator, but it is not sustainable. We cannot be motivated and live in fear for long periods without paying the physical, emotional, and spiritual costs of fear and stress.Fear, again, holds us back from achieving so much.

We’re afraid to show that we care, afraid to open our hearts, and afraid that we may appear vulnerable. The irony in this is that when we really care about the individuals we lead, love multiplies. When people know, see, and feel that you care—they do the same. Love really does keep on giving.Moving away from fear is one thing, but how do we actively develop love and ultimately integrate it with our leadership?

In my book, “Love-Based Leadership: Transform Your Life with Meaning and Abundance”, I outline eight steps to develop love of self, love of source, and love of others:

1. Develop and harness your intuition.

2. Honor yourself with truth.

3. Recognize your ability to make choices.

4. Listen to and honor your body.

5. Nurture your soul.

6. Practice meditation or prayer regularly to connect with your source.

7. Just the like term, Namaste, honor the spirit of others.

8. Practice forgiveness.

When we align ourselves with love and spirit, abundance and joy flow into our lives.I would love to hear from you!

What other steps would you add to develop love in your leadership and your life?

With love,

Maria