Love & Its Intensities

Constant reminders surround me, especially during the holidays.

I've been obsessed with the idea of loving everyone that crossed my path ever since I was fifteen.

Originally, I went to a leadership conference when I was a sophomore for my high school student government. I had the privilege of getting assigned a workshop with Houston Kraft, a motivational speaker who's main message was that you choose love every single day. 

He wasn't the first motivational speaker that I had ever seen, but his message stuck with me the most. 

From as long as I can remember, I overanalyzed everything in my life. Putting mental labels on people and predicaments as if I had jurisdiction over every aspect of my life and the individuals' lives that have crossed mine. I wanted a main idea to my life. A motto that I practiced.

Reality is, I don't. It is not that freaking simple. I do know one thing.

Love is the way.

So Houston went on to speak in the closing ceremony about how "I love you" should not be reserved. It's for everybody.

Sure, he's not the first to say that love is meant for all walks of life. But he was the first in my life to resonate with this. Well, the first stranger. 

But, to disregard this for a moment, can I say that it's a trend to not care? To be "chill" and to not give a *insert favorite word*. Several people say it's the young who do this, but it's not. It's everyone. I'm guilty of putting this façade up just so people won't judge me. But no, I don't want to do that anymore. I refuse.

Love has intensities.

Is the love you have for your mother different than the love you have for your best friend? Yes. Is the love you have for your cousin different than the love you have for your sweetheart? Yes. And if your sweetheart and your cousin are the same person, oh dear. Fix that, please.

On a serious note, have love be individual. Separate it for sure. But radiate and make it part of your every day lifestyle. There is enough time in your life to love everyone and to not discriminate. There's enough time in this lifetime to love your sweetheart because they're amazing and understand you. But there is also enough time to love your mailman because he gives you your mail every day, and he does his darn job. 

Love doesn't run out. 

Oh, and love yourself. That's often times where people have to start, that is why I included a selfie I loved.

Overuse the word love, and don't take it for granted.

Give a f&%k. It is more than okay.