Love | The Whole Parent

Love is the core skill and core need we all have. Many of us grew up in homes where love was conditional. If you behave this way I will love you. If you go against my wishes, I will exclude you from my love. This is not how love works. Love is universal energy, either you’re tapped into it and give it freely, or you are lacking in love.

Savor This Very Second – Breathe – Pause – Savor!

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:April 30, 2023
Post category:Anger Dating Depression Divorce Health and Fitness humans of divorce Joy Love Married Life mindfulness relationship building Relationships Self-care Sex Single-Dad Spirituality

Today is the day. This is the moment. This post signals the last moment of denial. I am in charge of my own thinking, my own mood management, and my own path forward.

My Life as a Dog

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:April 27, 2023
Post category:Joy Love relationship building Relationships self-awareness Self-care

I'm just as dog-like and happy as I've ever been. I'm cultivating my Frodo-like personality traits. I'm also well aware of my somewhat unbalanced need to be loved by everyone.

Dear Lover, Now That You’ve Arrived We Can Begin

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:April 26, 2023
Post category:Dating humans of divorce Joy Love Married Life Parenting relationship building Relationships self-awareness Single-Dad

Not everything needs to be worked out all the time. And, for the most part, I can trigger unhappy feelings for you, but the deep sadness or anger you feel, is probably not because of me.

One Man’s Courage to Stand Alone: Brené Brown’s BRAVING

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:April 25, 2023
Post category:Dating Health and Fitness Joy Love Married Life Parenting relationship building Relationships Self-care Single-Dad

By allowing you to experience and process your own distress, without my interference, I am giving you the utmost respect. I am viewing you as whole, strong, and capable. And in my affirmation of you and your inherent ability to be strong and sufficient, I am reaffirming my belief in you.

Is Love My Drug of Choice?

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:April 1, 2023
Post category:Dating Health and Fitness Joy Love mindfulness Relationships Self-care Sex Single-Dad Spirituality

I know that the drug of love is continuously renewing the purple haze of infatuation that continues to draw me onward, deeper into my commitment and devotion to this woman. And I'm okay with that. I'm okay with being in love with loving this woman.

Love is the Goal, Discover Your Own Path

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:March 29, 2023
Post category:Dating Love relationship building Relationships

Crave them when they are not with you. Enjoy and savor them when they are with you. And feel the complete fullness of life when you have been satiated by them.

Lessons of an Old Dog: Parenting, Divorce, and Codependency

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:March 28, 2023
Post category:Anger burn Co-Parenting Dating Divorce Health and Fitness Joy Love Married Life Money Parenting Relationships Self-care Single-Dad Spirituality

For the last years of his life, my buddy will do whatever he does as an old dog. I will watch him zigzagging around the back yard and try to remain happy for him rather than sad for him. I will love on him as much as I can. And I'll be aware of how my emotional attachments and complaints are mine alone. He's a dog.

How Do We Keep Love As a Priority in Our Busy Lives?

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:March 20, 2023
Post category:Love mindfulness relationship building Relationships self-awareness

If you've got time ahead, and you're committed to the partnership, you have plenty of time to get the details right, if you stay on the path toward togetherness and building the "WE."