This isn’t about food. It’s about love.

I usually don’t do this, but I couldn’t hold it in.

Ever since spring break, my best friend Jaime and I have only been able to think about two phrases:

Give Love. See Everyone.

Pretty simple, don’t you think?

The two phrases, Give Love. See Everyone., were inspired in two different situations.
—Give Love: When Jaime was on Alternative Spring Break in Philadelphia this year, she volunteered with a bunch of UGA students at a developmental disabilities center for adults. Not many people think about grown-ups who are unable to dress themselves or perform simple cognitive tasks, but they exist. Mr. Mike Barnes, one the directors for the center in Philly, inspired the group from UGA the whole week by saying, “everyone just wants love. That’s all anyone really wants. Just give them love.”

—See Everyone: When I was in Denver over spring break, I had the privilege of attending her grandfather’s 80th birthday. When my uncle was making a toast to mygrandfather, he said, “the best way to describe my Dad is that he sees everyone.” I thought about it a little, and realized that Pop really does see everyone. From the cleaning lady in the hotel to the taxi driver to the shy, new people at his church, Hershal McConathy makes a genuine effort to build a relationship with others. Think about it. See Everyone.

Why are these phrases so important?

It’s so easy for us as foodies to go through each day forgetting to tip our server, say thank you to the drive-thru person, or forgetting to tell those close to you that you love them.  There are so many differences and prejudices that infiltrate our world today that we become jaded and don’t remember the one thing all of us have in common. We just want to be loved.

That’s why we’ve come up with Give Love Week. This is an optional challenge that we hope all of you will try to do. Whether it’s every day for the next week, Monday to Monday, or just once this week, show someone love. Try to see everyone. From the custodians on UGA’s campus to the lady in the drive-thru at McDonald’s, show them love in whatever capacity.

We all interpret and show love differently, so we’re leaving it up to you to give love the way you see fit.

At the end of the week, we want you (if you want) to send your stories to us. How has this focus in the past week made a difference in your life and in the lives of others?

What do you think we can all learn from this? It would be such a blessing and a privilege to read the stories from everyone to see how you’ve reacted to the challenge. Feel free to send this to people who you think would like to participate, too. E-mail your stories (and pictures if you have them) to katherinestrate@gmail.com.

Monday to Monday. Give Love. See Everyone.

I hope you Dawg Fooders are up to the challenge.