I was once talking to a young man who was having relationship issues. Knowing I had been married for over 30 years, I think he believed I was some sort of expert. Well, expert, I am not, but I have been working at it for quite a while.

During our conversation, he asked me a huge question, “How do you know if you love someone?”

I thought for a moment and then it occurred to me. “You will know it when you are willing to do the work that love requires.” He looked confused so I continued. “It’s not a feeling you wait for, it’s an action that you take. As it says in the good book, love is patient and kind. When you are willing to stay with someone even if they have some tragic accident that changes them or leaves them helpless, you will know. When you are willing to do for someone, feed them, bathe them, and clothe them, you will know. When you are willing to listen even when you are dying to talk, you will know.”

He was stunned, but he also had a new resolve. He told me that this was what he wanted. He wanted to get that.

I told him it wasn’t something to get; it was something to do. “Go make it happen. Don’t find love, be love by doing the work that love requires.”

As it turns out, this principle is applicable in much of life.

Don’t wait for creative inspiration; just be creative.

Don’t wait to get healthy; just be healthy.

Don’t wait for solutions; just start solving.

Waiting is the killer; doing is the way out. Doing is working. Doing is being.

So, are you willing?

==> If you liked this post and want to know when new posts are published, CLICK HERE to subscribe.