This thing called LOVE
Oh My! I am writing about love, the first thing this year. As I ponder over this universal feeling, a quote by Lord Alfred Tennyson popped out of my mind, “Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all”.
Is that not true? Don’t we all yearn for love? From the very first day we are born, we crave for affection, belongingness and love. From the time immemorial, love has been a collective feeling understood by all and undeniably the powerful force of life.
We see love in many forms everywhere and in everything. Love has set an evergreen theme for music, literature, movies, monuments and all kinds of art forms. What a dull place this world would have been without love?
I happen to read an article by a psychologist who works with refugees. She says that most refugees battle with emotions of lost love, misunderstood love, onesided love or betrayal. Love tops the list of emotional trauma refugees undergo rather than the displaced by DIPNA JACOB families, homes, security, future, etc.
Having a loved one in our life makes us feel complete. But again, it is time to think in a wider perspective. Does the definition of love confines only to the emotion that transpires between a man and a woman? Are we blind to all the other affection that is around us? Our mother and father who fell in love with us that very instant they set their eyes upon us, the day we came into this world crying. Our brother or a sister who had loved us unconditionally in spite of all the quarrels, fights and accusations for which we never miss an opportunity. A dear friend who loves us sincerely in spite of knowing our true and dark side.
This Valentine’s Day, let us express our love to the people around us. Let us open our hearts and spread the warmth of love to our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, wives, daughters, sons, friends, our teachers and even a simple act of kindness to a stranger by greeting him or her with a warm smile to cheer up their day.
There are many people around us who are single, orphaned or away from family. Let us grab this occasion to spread the love without boundaries. Despite the long-standing traditions, let us not limit Valentine’s Day for just sweethearts but take it further to people around us.
Happy Valentine’s Day!