Love is always present

Insight from Thriving women.

Writing Contribution by Jen Wille

I have learned that love carries us through in our lives.

One person leaving a mark of love on us is so powerful. When there is no physical touch, the memory of a hug can warm our hearts. When there is no verbal affection, the thought of a spoken “I love you” reminds us of our worth.

Love looks like many things. It is given and received differently by each of us, drawing on our life experiences. In my life, I have learned from the people who have loved me, each one showing me love in their own unique way.

As a little girl,

love looked like snuggles from my mom at night with my leg wrapped firmly around her to know she was there, that she wasn’t leaving. It was endless streams of verbal “I love you’s” with kind eyes and warm smiles. It was my mom returning home after leaving us alone for days, bringing with her sandwiches for my younger brothers and me.

As a foster kid,

love looked like clean blankets and fresh sheets. Love was school events, activities, and a regular routine. It was scrubbing the bathtub and saying thank you.  Love was each new family opening their doors to me. It was learning to chew with my mouth closed and making my bed in the morning. Love was each day and night I had a place to call home.

As a young woman,

love looked like friends as family. It was setting boundaries with people from my past, cutting some out completely, while keeping others at a healthy distance. Love was providing for myself. It was clean blankets and fresh sheets. It was making my bed in the morning. It was sticking to a regular routine.

As an adult,

love looks like being kind to myself while caring for my mind and body. It is trust, joy, and laughter with my husband. It is endless streams of “I love you’s” with kind eyes and warm smiles.  Love is knowing that I am home always.

As I continue to grow,

I see that I carry the bits and pieces of the love I have felt in my life with me everywhere.

For this reason, love is always present. It is in me and I have access to it always, just like you.

About Jen.

Jen Wille is a Certified Professional Life Coach, educator, and public speaker based in Chicago. She trained with the Life Coach Institute of Orange County, an International Coach Federation approved organization. Jen received her Master’s Degree in Administrative Leadership from Roosevelt University and her Bachelor of Art’s Degree from Augustana College. After eight years in education, her positivity, dedication to students, and ability to bring out the best in others led to the esteemed role of Enrichment Coach. She has organized numerous workshops and facilitated staff development to enhance company culture. Jen’s desire to help others bridge the gap from where they are and where they want to be, both personally and professionally, is always at the center of her work. Her qualifications stand out in the wellness landscape, but it’s her warm approach that adds a unique flair to self-development.

Visit Jen online: Website, Instagram