When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”
– Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Decorating for the holidays with this canvas is the start of a new tradition for me and The Keets.
I’ve been wanting to write a new post since Saturday, which was Chief Daddy’s 84th birthday, because I thought I should write something to be fair after writing my previous post on my mom’s birthday. I must have been thinking too much instead of feeling because everything that was flowing was so jumbled.
I finished reading The Alchemist on Saturday night, which was my first time reading it even though I often have quoted Paulo Coelho. And all I know is that the timing of finally reading it made sense. I would not have appreciated it as much in the past, and if you haven’t read it, please do. I don’t want to tell you about it… You just have to read it and find what resonates with you.
Overall I felt The Alchemist pulled together in one story many of my own thoughts and feelings, especially about love; therefore, The Alchemist feels like an affirmation rather than an influence.
To realize one’s destiny is a person’s only obligation.”
– Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
I’ve been feeling a continuation of my last three posts, Now is All We Have, but Love Never Dies, Grieving But Grateful to Be At Home for the Holidays, and Perspectives and Ideas: Give Yourself Room to Learn, Grow, and Love. In one of the posts, I wrote about not feeling it when it comes to decorating for the holidays, but yesterday finding the canvas tied the posts all together.
LOVE
Love is…
You can finish that phrase with so many different words. You could use your own words. You could pull from countless quotes or song lyrics. I’m giggling as my mind’s ear hears Ewan McGregor in Moulin Rouge.
I feel grateful to have beloved family and friends. I feel grateful to be loved as well. Love, whether I’m giving or receiving it, is the inspiration… the guidance… the fire… the heart of letting my light shine.
Love is a gift, not an obligation.”
– Isabel Fuentes, Fools Rush In
I remember when my Keets were younger, feeling certain that loving my children keeps me in line. I considered how my decisions affected my Keets, and if my choices would have a positive effect on them in the big picture, then I knew I was choosing correctly.
As Coelho wrote, “When we love, we always strive to become better than we are.” Love as an action is not limited to caring for others or being kind to them because we feel so emotionally connected to do so. To love others is also being guided by love in our interactions with others. To be compassionate, empathetic, and kind. Sometimes we forget to love ourselves, but may we never forget that we deserve our own love.
Love is compassion, empathy, and kindness.
May you always choose love… to become better… and make everything and everyone around you better too.
Luceat lux vestra.
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