The meaning of love is one that is troubling me. To love something is simple, instinctive, intuitive and happens without realisation. For instance, I know without a doubt I love raspberries, a good gallop with a great horse, a conversation with my younger brothers. I also know that I do not love boxing, violence or being woken up suddenly. These however are easy things to love or, indeed, not love.
The issue of loving a person is something completely different. It is frightening in its intensity, the speed it takes hold and keeps you in its grasp. It makes you act in ways you never thought possible and by doing so you change part of your personality that will never revert to its previous form. Loving a person is exhausting, challenging, terrifying, consuming and possibly the most selfless thing you can ever do...even if that other person fails to recognise that you love them. It should be given but not expected in return. If it is returned then it is a bonus - love is not a two way street.
Looking back on those I have loved and kept, loved and let go and loved and lost there is one theme that is recurrent: that it has shaped the person I have become today. Maybe it is time to let go of the past and look to the future. Some things I will never be able to change, others are mine and mine alone to change for the better.
There is one person however that I shall never stop loving and it should be the basis for everyone to start relationships and friendships from - that is myself. Love yourself for who and what you are. Love your good points as well as your flaws, love your skills and develop those you wish to make stronger. How can we expect anyone to love us when we do not allow ourselves to love? Whilst narcissism is an altogether excessive form of self-love its basis should not be ignored. We are unique, each and every one of us and we deserve the best. Make your life something you are happy with and if not, make steps to change it.
To those I have loved, and those I love now, thank you for letting me love you.
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