We all have both good and difficult times in our lives. Sometimes we feel insecure, vulnerable and lost, like a delicate flower open and trembling under the uncaring force of the wind.

The words of other people blow through us in gusts. When they are gentle and loving, they warm your soul like a summer breeze from the ocean. When they are filled with bitterness and harsh criticism they knock you down like a hail storm in your garden.

There are times when I am exhausted and pale, sick and weak, with a dull look. Despite this, my husband, Bill, keeps telling me, “You are so beautiful.”

It makes me cry because I know that I am not at that moment. But, I also know that he really thinks so because he sees me differently through his loving eyes. After his kind words, I blossom; I smile and feel better.

We all need to be surrounded by people who help us blossom.

I shared those thoughts on one of my motivational online posts. In response, I got a message from a young Bermudian woman with a six-year-old child. She recently survived a bitter divorce. Her words touched me so deeply:

“I sit, read your post and roar! Not because I envy you or remember my sad past. It’s because my ex-husband never said nice words to me, even though I was trying so hard to make him and our family happy! It broke my heart.

“Then, I cried because I realised there is hope. I started to believe in love again. Somewhere, there is a soulmate for me and he will find me. One day, I know that by my side will be a worthy and caring man who will appreciate, protect and cherish me. Under his gaze I will bloom every day.”

The winds of love are on their way! When they come to you it will be as sweet and lush as the scent of a delicate frangipani flower. It will wash over you in a gentle rain and in your heart you will know once and for all that he is there for you.

Love does not choose you. You choose love, and you must make the right decision to follow where it leads without hesitation or self-doubt. Love is a leap of faith; to trust both yourself and another carries great risk, but also great reward.

It is your time to blossom! Keep your heart open and pay attention when love calls.

It may be the most important moment in your life.

• Nina London is a certified wellness and weight-management coach. Her mission is to support and inspire mature women to make positive changes in their body and mind. Share your inspirational stories with her at www.ninalondon.com