Love Is All Around

Twenty years ago a surprisingly powerful movie called "Love Actually" reminded us that love is all around. We need to pause and look for the signs. Through a series of romantic stories leading up to Christmas, we saw that real love doesn't come in a perfectly wrapped package. No matter how messy and painful it can be, love is worth the trouble. Through nine storylines we witnessed grief, heartbreak, young love, unrequited love, hopeless love, unconditional love and true love. Beginning and ending the movie with embraces at a busy London airport showed us a glimpse of all kinds of love around us. I remember being overemotional as I watched it the first time, on a rare date night, after our kids had their photo taken with Santa. Fast forward twenty years- Santa’s lap is empty, and so is our nest. Love, actually is still all around.

Today, the film is considered a holiday classic, that's inspired somewhat of a cult following on social media. As a hopeless romantic and eternal optimist, it's one of my personal favorites. When I heard there was a reunion in the works, I tuned in to see if the movie magic sent the same message it did the year my daughter was born. Boy, did it ever.

In honor of the 20th anniversary of "Love Actually," the cast reunited along with writer/director, Richard Curtis to reflect on the film's legacy and enduring message. Diane Sawyer took us all on a sentimental journey, that made me fall in love with the movie, all over again. Behind the scenes stories will tug at your heartstrings and make you laugh. Curtis admits he is obsessed with the idea of love and appreciates that "Love Actually" still reminds us, how all different kinds of love can bring out the best in people.

No matter how complicated or messy life gets, when you watch this movie, it's hard not to feel inspired. People around the world have said the positive impact of "Love Actually" has been profound, not only during the holidays, but year-round. One of the stars, Bill Nighy, told Sawyer, "I've had people coming up to me saying 'It got me through chemo' or 'It got me through my divorce' or 'I watch it whenever I'm alone.'"

For any movie to stand the test of time with a message of hope that still resonates is impressive and powerful. Let it serve as a daily reminder that love is all around. We just have to look a little harder to see the signs and share a message of love.