Not so long ago, I was talking to a business man in Korea. There we were negotiating a multi-million dollar deal, and neither could understand the other's language. Thanks to God for a good interpreter. Still, it required a great deal of effort on both our parts. I learned as we spoke to each other, mostly by phone, to speak slowly and pronounce my words carefully. Our interpreter's native tongue was that of my business associate's, so I first had to ensure she comprehended the message fully, allow her time to process it mentally, and then convey it to her recipient. It was a tedious labour which required focus and concentration on all our parts. To me conducting business is often a labour of love as I work diligently to understand the needs of my associates and negotiate the terms that benefit everyone.

After several months commitment to this process, Mr. Kim (His real name. 21.6% of the Korean population bear the family name Kim, incidentally) was earnest to know my opinion of him. The interpreter relayed his question and caught me a little off guard. "Are you happy with Mr. Kim?"

"Of course I am happy with Mr. Kim. I am very happy with Mr. Kim. I love Mr. Kim." I waited as the interpreter translated my words to Mr. Kim. I leaned back in my chair. I waited for the next question. Everything was unusually quiet. I heard the muffled voices of many people in the background. I perceived that I was now on the line with the call centre (the service centre, as it is called in Korea). "Hello? Are you there?" I asked anxiously.

An operator responded, "Yes. I am here. Please hold on a bit."

After another extended period of silence, I asked if there was a problem. The operator, in her trembling voice, told me Mr. Kim was crying and I should stay a little longer.

"Is there a problem?" I asked again impatiently. I could hear Mr. Kim sobbing in the back ground. The operator explained that Mr. Kim was crying because no one had ever told him they love him, not even his mother. I completely broke down. Tears streaming down my face, I gradually became aware of more people gathering on my side of the world around my desk. In their faces, I saw they were as perplexed as I had previously been. I felt completely unable to explain to them what was happening. Overwhelmed with emotion, I told the operator I would call back later. Putting down the phone, I began relating to my team what had happened. I noticed their eyes too were filling up with tears. One of them came to my side. She hugged me and apologized for not giving me her attention lately. I had not even been aware she was remiss. It seems, as so often happens, we had all been caught up in the day to day grind and lost sight of how precious life can be. I told her the Spirit of Love was permeating the atmosphere.

The power of what Love meant to Mr. Kim touched us all. At this time, I still had never met Mr. Kim in person. Yet this power crossed the world to him and back again to me and my team instantly. Love is without bounds. It is unconditional. Doesn't it feel as though one's heart speaks to him or her and says, "this is good for you"?

How would you answer if you were asked to define love? These words from the greatest book in literature give an amazingly profound definition of love: Love is patient and kind. Love does not envy, is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes. Love never gives up, never loses faith , is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

How important is love to us? The first great commandment tells us we must love God with all our heart, mind and soul. The second is like it and tells us to love our neighbour as ourselves. And so we see, when Mahatma Ghandi says "Be the change you wish to see in the world," this change must begin with love for ourselves. We must choose to embrace ourselves. As we do this it feels natural to extend the love we feel to others. I believe you and I are created in the image of God who is Love.

Are we not then love personified?Love is light. Fear is darkness. Love lights up the dark and the dark cannot stay.

It is our nature. It is easy. Life only becomes complicated and difficult in the absence of love, when we find ourselves one foot in and one foot out so to speak. At times, we try to love and resist love all at once. We do this when we endeavour to make a contribution to the world, and in the same breath doubt our ability to succeed. Love and fear do not coincide together.

Love attracts more love. It multiplies. It creates. It is contagious. It emanates, protects, and lifts.

With love we are unstoppable, fearless, exuberant, attractive, peaceful, content, and joyful. This is the being each of us was created to be.

This is the naked truth about who you truly are!

I was not surprised when Mr. Kim said he'd like to visit me in South Africa shortly after our experience together. It would be his first visit to South Africa. Since then we have met several times in the USA, Europe, China, Japan and he frequently returns to South Africa. When we meet, we first bow, then run into each other's arms hugging wildly. He calls me Elder brother. Many of his family are my friends. His connections have become my connections. He's purchased millions of dollars of product from me. Much has transpired and developed since the day he learned he is loved.

I want you to know, maybe for the first time, maybe as a reminder, that you are loved as Mr. Kim is. You are loved and you are Love. That force which empowers you to march to the beat of your own drum, which moves you to stick to your values and stay true to yourself, the source of your intelligence and your empathy to the suffering of others, the groove that keeps you going forward in a way that is uniquely your own: This is you. This is Love. It transcends all barriers and knows no bounds. Embrace it.

Never let the world keep you from dancing to your own groove, baby!

Author's Bio: 

As an inspiring consultant, trainer, coach and motivator, Donald Pillai has helped numerous entrepreneurs, companies, organizations and individuals set strategic goals more effectively and efficiently. He works closely with you not only as his client, but as a friend on a personal level, and is passionate about helping you live with purpose and take your results to the next level, where you are ready to take action and create a big, bold, passionate life. Donald is passionate about the happiness issues you are MOST concerned with. Reducing stress, Living with purpose, Building better relationships, Managing anxiety or depression, Building confidence, Positive thinking & self-talk. He helps people find solutions for making their life smoother and enjoyable, re-ignite hope and achieve greater happiness. What distinguishes him from others in his field of expertise is that he treats communication as fun and entertainment. Donald has a special interest in personal branding and believes the road to success is in not only in trying, but having a belief in yourself and your innate talents and abilities.