We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone.
- Orson Welles -
I was thinking about love today, and losing it; let me clarify though. I don't simply mean the love we have for others or that which comes from another person, although those two kinds of love are certainly worthy of thought...I also mean the love we hold for ourselves which, in my opinion, is critically important. If we do not love ourselves could others do so? That's a question for someone far more intelligent than me, but it bears some thought I believe.
Love is a gift, and should be treated as such, with respect, honour and integrity; I believe that's the least we should give it, but there's so much more it deserves.
I thought of love as a plant that requires tender care. It can't be left in the corner to fend for itself, neglected and forgotten. It must be nurtured and only then will it grow and develop. Whether it's the love between a couple, a parent for a child, friend to friend, or self-love, without the right attention it will become stunted, twisted and finally die.
We live in what I see as troubled times; society seems somehow wrong, or maybe broken is a better word for it. It's fast-paced, relentless and noisy; values which were once so prevalent are gone and people are far more superficial than ever before; Generally. I believe society mirrors the planet which is starved for fresh air, has waterways that are polluted and clogged and forests that are receding...and it's all in the name of progress. People are the same I think, generally, and, as with the planet, are largely ignoring the things that were once so important and valued, and the need to return to them.
I don't know when it will get to where it's headed, but that it's headed into oblivion I have no doubt.
I believe there's a lack of love in today's society, for others and oneself. I'm not saying genuine love doesn't exist, it does, I know it, but I think many people just don't take the time to recognise and experience it or to show it to others, and to themselves. In short, people don't nurture it...and that confounds me.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind
I took this image and it's not for you use anytime in the next ten gazillion years - After that you can use it.
