HAPPY LOVE DAY

I use to really hate Valentine's day.

I hated all the 

colors,

the fake smiles,

the idea of what love is to look like!

I rolled my eyes at the very thought of romance 

and valentine's day!

I thought that I hated Love.

I was hurt by people I thought I loved 

and

I thought they loved me!

That was until a friend broke

 my perception of love, 

while teaching me the truth.

Love is not just 

cards

flowers

jewelry

gifts

and all the public display of affection!

Love comes from the heart.

It might be forgiving even when still angry.

It is caring about that person even if you do not agree!

It is understanding that love still exits 

even if there is damage and brokenness.

THIS IS WHEN LOVE IS NEEDED THE MOST!

Love looks like a patient hand.

Love looks like a smile after a long day of making mistakes.

Love looks at the others differences as a celebration.

Love gives hope, dreams and peace.

Love looks for the best even though many years have passed.

Love is a empathic hug after an emotional explosion.

LOVE IS HARD!

It will require ME to be put on the back burner.

It will require me to actually look at others in my life.

Love does not guarantee a Fairy tale ending. 

Love does require me to look inward 

and sometimes that is a struggle.

Love forces me to look at myself and see if I am in check.

What kind of love is it IF I expect others

to treat me with 

patience

kindness

long suffering

forgiveness

and I am not giving those in return!

My friend told me that I needed to first learn

to love myself!

Then I could love others better!

She was right, I treated people the way

I treated myself!

There was moments of the day I could not stand 

my own reflection.

I would explode and then beat myself up after.

I could not forgive my stupidity.

I kept a running record of the

mistakes

pain

disappointment

frustration

that I caused people and myself.

I listen to the lies that filtered into my mind and heart.

I believed that I was worthless.

I believed that I was a lost cause.

I believed that no one could love me!

That was until one day, when my friend introduced me to someone

 who loves me for me.

He understand me.

He forgives me.

He knows that I am not perfect and he does not require me to be!

He filled my heart with a better picture of myself.

He taught me who I am.

It has nothing to do with what I have done.

It does not depend on what I can do well.

It does not depend on anything I can do or not do!

 It is all in knowing who I am 

and

be thankful for what I was given.
It has nothing to do with me and 
everything with what He gave for me.
He helped me to see my worth 
and 
in return I see others worth!
Guess what?
We are equal!

I love love! 

Even though it  can be heart breaking!

It is hard to allow others a free will that I myself have.

It is hard to allow choices to be made 

even if they are harmful.

It is hard sometimes to show love 

even in the face of evil.

BUT

I know what love I was given.

I know what love that erases the pain.

I know a love that helps me dream.

I know what love looks like!

I know that I look at myself differently.

This helps me to see others differently.

This helps me to love unconditionally!

I know that is not a typical practice in today's world.

I know it does exist!

To everyone that I am privilege to love.

I want you to know I love you unconditionally.

I hope that you know that by now!