The Love List: A Journey Back to Life, Love, and Self
A few weeks ago, I shared something personal on Instagram — something I had been holding close to my heart: The Love List. At first glance, it might look like a simple checklist. But for me, it’s much more than that. It’s a gentle, intentional return to life. To self. To love.
Where It Came From
The Love List began as a quiet idea — something that came to me during a time when I felt disconnected from joy, spontaneity, and myself. After years of survival, caregiving, emotional shutdown, and celibacy, I had built an armor that kept me safe… but also sealed me off from the beauty of the world around me. I realized I had stopped living. Not just in the big, bold ways — but in the simple, soul-nourishing moments too.
So I sat down and made a list. A list of 13 things that scared me, excited me, healed me, or reminded me of who I used to be… before everything got heavy. Before I started shrinking my joy just to survive. And beneath it all, The Love List became something deeper: a journey through self-love to romantic love — because I believe we must start inside. Before we can fully receive love from another, we have to meet ourselves there first.
Some items on the list are rooted in old fears. Some are playful and push me gently out of my comfort zone. And some are just pure love — soft, nourishing, and full of meaning. I’ll be sharing each one as I tick it off — through reflections, podcast episodes, and real moments from my life — and I’d love to invite you to walk with me.
What The Love List Is (and Isn’t)
This isn’t a glow-up list. It’s not about fixing myself. It’s not a “new year, new me” ritual. It’s about coming home. Coming home to the version of me who still believes in joy. Who still believes in magic. Who wants to feel love — not just in relationships, but in the way I live my life.
It’s a way of proving to myself, gently and over time, that I am still here. That I still want this life. That love — in all its forms — is still available to me.
Why I’m Sharing It With You
Because I know I’m not the only one who’s gone numb. Who’s lived in survival mode. Who’s forgotten what it feels like to be lit up from the inside. The Love List is an invitation. Not just for me — but for you, too.
You don’t need to create a list of your own (unless you feel called to). But I hope it inspires you to say yes to one thing that brings you closer to yourself. To your truth. To the parts of you that got left behind when things got hard.
Let’s Walk This Together
As I move through each item on my Love List, I’ll be sharing reflections on the podcast — short episodes, woven between the longer ones — that honor each step. Some will be joyful. Some will be painful. All of them will be honest. And I hope you’ll walk with me.
Because this isn’t just about me. It’s about us. Reclaiming our light. Reopening our hearts. And remembering that love — the kind that heals — often starts with the way we show up for ourselves.
Madonna x
I’d Love to Hear From You
If something in this post spoke to you — or if you’re on your own journey of reconnecting with joy, courage, and love — I’d truly love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment below and share what’s on your own version of The Love List, or how this message landed in your heart.
And if you haven’t already, follow me on Instagram @thelovetribepodcast or join our community at thelovetribepodcast.com.au to stay connected with more stories, reflections, and soul-led conversations. This space was made for people like us. You’re always welcome here.
