Lead with Love: The Best Advice I Didn’t Know I Needed

The other day, I found myself sitting across from my therapist, overwhelmed by a situation I had never faced before. My mind was spinning with questions, fears, and a desire to do the right thing but had no idea what that actually looked like.

I asked her, “What do I do?"

She looked at me gently, and with no hesitation, she said: “Lead with love.”

Three words. That’s it.

Not a long to-do list.

Not a step-by-step strategy.

Just a quiet, profound invitation to return to what matters most.

What Does It Mean to Lead with Love?

Leading with love doesn’t mean you have all the answers. It doesn’t mean you’ll never get it wrong. It doesn’t mean sacrificing your boundaries or pretending everything is fine.

It means choosing compassion in the moments when it would be easier to shut down. It means staying connected, even when you feel unsure. It means asking yourself, “What would love do here?” before reacting from fear, frustration, or ego.

When we lead with love…

• We soften instead of harden

• We listen instead of lecture

• We stay present instead of retreating into blame or guilt

Why It Matters in Every Relationship

Whether you’re leading a child, a spouse, or a friend, love is what builds trust.

It’s what creates safety and it 's what allows someone to feel seen, heard, and valued.

When you’re parenting a child, leading with love looks like showing up, even on the hard days. It looks like choosing connection over control, and compassion over perfection.

When you’re in a relationship, it means being vulnerable. It means communicating even when it’s hard, offering grace when your partner is struggling, and loving them as they grow and change.

When you’re showing up for a friend, it means holding space, not fixing. It means celebrating their joy, sitting with their pain, and reminding them they’re not alone.

A Gentle Reminder for the Hard Days

We all have moments when we don’t feel like we have much to give, when we’re tired, uncertain, or stretched too thin. But love doesn’t require perfection. It just asks us to show up with honesty and care.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next, let this be your reminder:

Lead with love.

Let that be your starting point.

Let that be your anchor.

Because when love leads, healing follows. Connection grows. And even the most unfamiliar paths become a little easier to walk.

If this message resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

• Share this with someone who might need it today.

• Leave a comment or message if you’ve ever received a piece of advice that shifted your perspective.

• Or simply take a deep breath and ask yourself: How can I lead with love today?

You’re doing better than you think. Keep going.

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