I believe that if you truly love someone you allow that person the freedom to be who they are without trying to control them. Love is learning to accept someone for all that they are, including their imperfections and strengths. Recovery can be difficult at times, but I try to be loving toward the people in my life today. Sometimes it is easy for me to fall short. When I’m resentful, I try to show patience and grace because I know that I respond better when I know there is love behind people’s actions and words. I’m becoming more comfortable in my own skin and have been able to show myself more love, grace, and understanding. To me, love is a choice followed by actions, and demonstrated through consistency. I hope to be more mindful about conveying my love through action so that others can tangibly see the difference God has made in my life.