The Studio (MDR)’s fearless leader, Lisa Hirsch, on the healing power of love and the importance of staying positive when life throws you a curve ball or two …
February is the month of love and for love, and right now I’m finding my heart is full of love and gratitude for all of you. I never could have imagined all of the love and light you would bring to my life when I was opening The Studio (MDR) three years ago, and I want all of you to know that you’ve been this light for me during good times and tough ones.
Speaking of those tougher moments in life, my mom’s significant other, Richard, has faced more than his fair share of them. I called Richard a couple weeks ago to wish him a happy birthday. For 12 years, he’s defied the most frightening odds as he’s battled many major health issues that are too numerous to mention. In addition to the stress of dealing with those challenges, he has also faced and overcome some of the most difficult hardships imaginable that not only affected him, but also his children. While I won’t go into the details of his struggles and survival, I am constantly inspired by this giant of a man’s ability to have an encouraging, hopeful attitude and focus on the love in his life. Richard never mires himself in the past or gets stuck in a “why me” attitude; he lives each day to its fullest and doesn’t allow his life-threatening challenges to define who he is. As a result, he’s built a beautiful life with my mom over the last 17 years.
When I called him for his birthday, I asked him what he was going to do. He told me that he was about to have dinner with the most gorgeous woman, and then he went on to describe just how in love he is with my mother. After 17 years! Richard is proof that no matter what has happened in your life or what struggles you have faced or currently have to deal with, it is never too late to find love.
Maybe you’re waiting to find your true love, which could happen for you at 23, 42 or 67! Maybe you’re hoping to find more love and compassion in each moment of the day. My advice is to do whatever it takes to eek out a little bit more love in your life. Of course, to do this you’ve got to first learn how to love yourself. (I know I have said that before, but it is so important!) Then, I think you’ve got to do things that bring more love and compassion into your everyday lives. Help a friend who’s in a funk by bringing her to a class at The Studio (MDR). Really drink in a compliment someone gives you about how pretty you look. (Why are compliments so tough to embrace sometimes?!) And try, like my mom’s true love Richard always does, to remember the healing power of love in your life. If you do this, I just know big, beautiful, amazing things will unfold for you.
Big hug and lots of kisses for this special month,
Lisa