Love Now

As with everything in life, love evolves over time.

When we were babies, love was only found in the arms of our parents, the smile on their faces, and the milk of mom’s breasts.

In elementary school years, love was receiving dozens of letters on Valentine’s Day.

When we were teenagers, love was getting anonymous notes, daydreaming that they were from that one crush and keeping our fingers crossed while waiting for that call.

In our twenties, love was looking for The One and wondering if we would ever find him or her.

Now in my thirties, I have a much broader concept of what love means. Above all, love is energy. It is what keeps me going. I run on love. It takes a lot of work, and I’m ok with it. I’m willing to go the extra mile and put in the extra hour. I bet you think I’m only referring to romantic love, but I’m not. For me, LOVE is:

-The energy to get up everyday and do the best for myself and for others

-Loving myself with all my virtues and my flaws, not hiding any of them anymore

-Taking care of my emotional, mental and physical health and the overall health of my loved ones

-Being in touch with family and friends

-Respecting, being mindful and creating awareness about my surroundings and the other beings sharing time and space with me at all times

-Giving back in every little interaction that I have with others

-Working for the causes that I believe in, including my own

-Becoming a better person for my own sake and for the sake of others

-Pursuing empathy, balance and harmony in all my acts

-Learning and teaching

-Forgiving and healing

-Trusting

-Showing gratitude

-Loving every second, being present

-Knowing when to listen and when to speak

-Being a mentor and a mentee

-Showing and sharing the love we feel for each other!

Now that I am in my 30s, I look forward to staying in love more than I ever craved falling in love. As Steven Covey said: “Seeking first to understand, then to be understood”. Loving every day as an ode to life.

What does love mean to you these days?

Show me some love by letting me know!

Who loves you?

Laura

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