Choose Love
During this past week, I have traveled from one part of the world to another and back to confront death, loss and grief. I have faced deeply personal demons and fears straight-on; both my own and those of ones nearest and dearest to me. I am deeply exhausted and during my travel home I questioned, "how can I get through this intact?" In this moment, I know the answer is what it always is: I will get through this by choosing LOVE.
As cliched as it may sound, it doesn't change the truth of how Love can change the world. No matter how much a heart is bruised, a soul crushed, when we choose Love, they can heal. No matter how much hatred, anger, abuse and unfairness has been directed towards us, when we choose Love, we can heal.
It's not easy choosing Love. The older I get, the more tired I become, the more difficult it gets. It would be "easier" to shut down or off, to put up my guard and not let anyone in, to let the alluring appeal of denial wash over me, to run away from pain and hurt, and to lash out in anger and blame. But I know where that leads, and I've seen what that destroys. So, time and time again, I will remind myself to choose Love. I will keep my heart open and sensitive. I will ask for help and allow myself to receive it. I will practice staying kind and compassionate. I will say sorry and forgive myself when I fail. I will allow myself to be vulnerable. That's how I will choose to change my world and the world around me.
"Knowing that when light is gone, Love remains for shining." ~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning
