L...O....V....E

It is a simple, one syllable, four letter word (in it's English form), yet it stirs more feelings within that are sometimes indescribable.  Some people think it is overused, yet others insist it is not said enough.  We often wish we had said it more when someone that we love is gone, but we want to make sure it is always sincere when we do say it. We pursue it, we crave it, we desire it, some kill for it, while others pay for it, but the majority of us just hope that we have the opportunity to experience it in its entirety before we die.

I believe the most extraordinary part of our existence is our ability to love. Love is all around us, but we sometimes overlook it's subtleties. Love permeates our everyday loves: We cook and bake with love, we listen to love songs, we hope that love heals old wounds, we write poems and novels that center around love, and we talk about enduring and unconditional love as the pinnacle of this state.

Of course there are different kinds of love, but romantic love is the source for all the angst-filled, tortured teenage years that lead us to moments of desperation, foolishness, and giddiness. This leads us to ultimately pursue our soul mate, so that we can share our lives with someone.

It starts out with the anticipation of the first kiss, creating the butterflies within our stomachs, and bringing a flush to our face.  With our hearts beating faster, we leap into love just as a child jumps into a pile of autumn leaves: whimsically, joyously, and without caution. If you are lucky you find the one that will continue to create goosebumps upon your arms by a mere brush of their lips upon your ear or neck. To voice how much you love creates an upwelling of tears to your eyes, because it overwhelms your entire being.

True, pure, unconditional love is not fleeting or judgmental,  nor does it have boundaries.It is the ability to share oneself completely and feel as comfortable as a warm blanket on a cold, bleak day.  It is being able to deal with complexity, but appreciate simplicity.  It is enjoying the silence, and embracing the conversations.  It is the mutual belief in one another that is accepting and welcoming, no matter the circumstance.

I am so fortunate to have so much love in my life, that it rains down upon me each day, showering me with its exquisite beauty.  It is my hope that all of you may experience this type of love in your lives, just as I have, because it changes your perspective, and makes you appreciate every moment. 

P.S.  With all of my gratitude, I dedicate this post to the love of my life. Without you I would not be writing this, because you encouraged me to start this blog, and you build my confidence every day. Thank you for inspiring me with your commitment, strength, devotion, and loyalty. You continually make me feel like the most loved person in the universe, and that holds more meaning than anything else in this world.