“Love looks not with the eye, but with the mind, and therefore is the wing’d Cupid painted blind’ Shakespeare, A Midsummers Night
Love is in the air and it’s a leap year. My boyfriend calls it Happy Racketeering Day, well I say we have a choice and can make it about spreading the love. Woven into the fabric of our lives, our history and culture, Love is one of the greatest mysteries of life. . When I think of love – music and poetry spring to mind, especially Shakespeare. Shakespeare’s works have travelled through time and inspired us. In 2012 according to Google the most searched term was “what is love?” I found this definition of love:
Love is a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes that ranges from interpersonal affection to pleasure. It can refer to an emotion of a strong attraction and personal attachment. Wikipedia
There is no scientific or universal measure and for every one of us it has a different meaning. Love also exists in many forms and on different levels. What we do know is that there aren’t many of us Humans who can flourish without it. Love it or hate it – it’s here to stay and I believe it’s the essence of what we are! It’s like trying to bake your favourite cake without an essential ingredient.
We do know that it can bring the most intense highs and sadly sometimes leads to anxiety, depression and can take people to the depths of despair. Love is bigger than us and is a force of nature. Research has shown that the brains of babies who do not receive this nourishment do not develop properly and can fail to thrive.
This Valentine’s Day perhaps you are going to express your love to another – if so take some time to consider their “love language” ( a helpful read is: Gary Craig’s Love languages) . It might be time together, gifts, physical touch or simple kind words. For example, If your partner is someone who loves time with you – giving chocolates and then going out without them is a waste of energy and money!
Happy Valentines and have fun – watch out all you men out there as those empowered women might just pop the question to Mr Right: it is a leap year. If you are on your own or your loved one is not around why not give back to yourself and generate your own warmth and love to yourself!