Love and Its many forms
What exactly is this love thing?…
This utterly confusing word with a thousand and one meanings, definitions, and ways of showing it. To be honest, finding the right fit can be pretty exhausting…
Everyone has their own definition of what they term love to be; but honestly, what is love?
Is it the tiny butterflies that flutter in our bellies when we see someone we genuinely care about? Is it the joy that comes with being surrounded by friends and family who have your back and have got you every step of the way? Is it in the way a mother looks at her child with so much adoration and tenderness? Is it that feeling of satisfaction you get when someone speaks your love language? Or that jolt in your heart when you think someone close to you is in danger?
Could it be the warmth that embraces you and totally encapsulates your senses when you are on a great date? Or the sensation that crawls up your insides when their lips touch your skin? Could it be the excitement and happiness that saturates your entire system when you see a plate of food you patiently waited for arrive at your table? Or the joy and goodness that tantalize your senses when you take a bite of a good meal when you haven’t eaten all day?
What if it’s that peace you feel when you know all is right with you regardless of what goes on in the world around you? Or that sudden way your spirit soars when you get that unexpected credit alert? Is it about date nights, movies, and dinners? Could it be sinking into your bed after an exhausting day and feeling the night wrap you in her embrace? What if it’s in the tiny shriek you let out when you find something you thought was lost? Or that sense of fulfillment when you buy yourself something new? Is it the freedom and sense of responsibility that come with moving out and starting life on your own? Could it be those blissful, treasured moments when you can be the truest you and not be afraid of judgment?
How about that feeling of comfort when you recover from an ailment? Or the way a father feels when he holds his child for the first time? How about that glimmer and glow that shines in the eyes of entwined couples or newlyweds? Or just the immense gratitude of being at peace? How about that euphoric feeling after the first drag? Or going face-first into a tub of ice cream?
Is it genuine trust and unwavering loyalty? Or is it love that makes one lay his life for his friends? Is it the strength and courage that come from picking yourself up and moving on? Is it in the thrill of meeting someone new? Is it dependability and vulnerability? Or is it protecting yourself behind titanium walls? Is it the warmth in your heart as your pet runs to you when you get home from a long day? Is it how they snuggle up to you while you stroke their fur?
I kind of think love is everything… The ebbs and flows, the strength, courage, joy, happiness, peace, trust, loyalty, companionship, a helping hand, devotion, correction, and conviction, not condemnation, but kindness, gentleness, patience, generosity, humility, and justice. The love of self, love of life, love of friends, love of family, love of a partner. I think with love, it’s the little things that count the most, but then again, who makes the rules?
I’m not sure what it truly means yet, but one thing I’m certain of is that I want my life to always be so full of love, this magical, mysterious word. Love that brings peace, good health, sanity, joy, loyalty, devotion, convictions, patience, tolerance, a shoulder to lean on, a helping hand, and true friendship. Love that does not bring unnecessary hurt and pain, or condemnation, a love so true that it saturates my entire being and makes me weak at my knees. True love of self, life, family, friends, and partner.
