🌿 Decision to Love - Introduction
Welcome to the Decision to Love Trail
The introduction is a place to be curious, discover what the path ahead looks like, and decide if this is a journey you want to take. You are always in control of your own journey. There is no obligation to continue—only an opportunity to explore, learn, and discover. Here, you'll get a glimpse of how the chapters are structured, explore the journey map, and decide if this trail feels right for you. It all begins here.
🎵 A Song For Your Journey: Love is the Key
The Map
Introduction to the Journey
Choose the way you’d like to experience this chapter:
📖 Read the Introduction
Includes Acknowledgements, Dedication, Note to the Reader, and Reflection Questions
🎧 Listen to the Introduction
Acknowledgements, Dedication & Note to the Reader
Introduction
🌱 Journey Reflections
Discover what this chapter reveals about yourself, others, and love.
Take some time to reflect on what you discovered in this chapter. You may want to journal your thoughts, discuss them with others, or share your insights in the Decision to Love community.
1. From the Introduction, what can you learn about Lindy’s way of loving? How did her way of loving influence the people around her and the way she viewed others? How does your own way of loving influence the way you see and interact with the people in your life?
2. How did Lindy and Helen respond to the bullies in their lives? What can you learn from the choices they made? How do other people influence the way you think, feel, and act—for better or for worse?
3. How did Grandma’s response to the spilled milk shape Lindy’s life? Can you think of a time when a small act of kindness or understanding made a lasting difference in your own life? How might intentionally choosing small acts of love for others influence your own life as well as the lives of those around you?
🥾 Trail Challenge: Choose Curiosity
Simple practices to help you apply what you are discovering.
Just like curiosity led you to learn more about this trail, curiosity can help you discover more about yourself and the people around you.
When we become curious, we move beyond assumptions and begin to understand. We discover new perspectives, strengthen relationships, and find new ways to love.
In Dale Carnegie’s classic book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, he teaches the importance of being interested rather than interesting. Being interesting often focuses our attention on ourselves—what others think of us, how we are being perceived, and whether we are measuring up. Being interested shifts our focus outward and helps us genuinely connect with others.
As you practice curiosity, you become an observer—not focused on performing or proving yourself, but focused on understanding.
🌱 Opportunities to Practice Curiosity
Be curious about others.
When you ask someone how they are, be genuinely interested in their answer.
If they respond with “Okay” or “Alright,” consider asking:
“Just okay?”
“Everything alright?”
The goal is not to pressure someone to share, but to help them feel that you care.
People are more likely to open up when they feel safe and valued.
Replace judgment with curiosity.
When someone thinks or acts differently than you, try asking:
Why might they see it this way?
What experiences have shaped their perspective?
What can I learn about them?
Understanding someone does not require agreeing with everything they believe.
Curiosity allows us to build empathy and compassion.
Be curious about yourself.
When you experience strong emotions, pause and ask:
Why am I feeling this way?
What experience or belief might be influencing this feeling?
What choice do I have in how I respond?
As you understand yourself more deeply, you can develop greater
compassion for yourself and others.
🌿 Suggestions for Deeper Relationships
Invite someone to join you on the Decision to Love Journey. Let them know you’re excited to understand them better through this process.
After reading and discussing the introduction, you might ask some deeper questions, such as:
What is your earliest childhood memory?
Did you ever feel like you didn’t fit in when you were younger?
Were you ever bullied?
What kinds of people did you spend time with in school?
Make the decision to love by approaching yourself and others with curiosity.
You Don't Have to Walk This Path Alone
If you'd enjoy discussing these ideas, asking questions, and learning from others who are also seeking to choose love, I'd love to have you join our Decision to Love Community.
Ready for the Next Chapter?
Have a Question?
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