Is It Really That Simple?

We hear about it all the time, we feel it, we see it, we crave it and we experience it. Yet, love, such a simple word, can have so many different meanings and representations. When I think about it, I’m intrigued that this one word is so unique to an individual, based on their life journey from birth to death.  So why am I talking about love now? Well to be honest, I’m not so sure, but probably  because Valentine’s Day was just a few days ago. And like many, I might still be under the “love fever.” Or possibly, I’m in deep thought since  my birthday is very soon and it feels like the Almighty has  granted me an extra dose of love.

Either way, if I had  to think of a timeline  representative of love in my life, it  would  start with my parents. Why? Because growing up their love, protection and care was the only thing I knew. And what about God? Well you see, the older I got, the more I got a better understanding of life, recognizing that  God’s love came before my parents. Then came friendship. I realized that it, too, brought  a certain dose of love as well. For me,  love represents God, my lovely wife, my family and my friends. I’ve come to this conclusion based on various life changing events, recognizing that love has multiple facets.

As we go through life changes, we gain  clarity and  maturity through the good and bad  situations we endure. We understand life differently. Eventually, we learn  that  loving ourselves first,  is essential in bringing to light  our true and unique nature/identity. By internalizing this,  we can understand our worth, and discern better in order to avoid potentially damaging situations. And, if we really want to make the world a better place, as most of us claim, then loving and treating ourselves in such a manner first, can help us unlock the door to replicate love around us.

Love, such a vital word.  Love, such a simple word. Love, a word that requires actions to reflect it.  Love, the more you love yourself, the more you can be a better partner, friend, and better citizen on this planet called earth.