Gratitude ... it's about more than 'things'

I'm big on gratitude - plain and simple.
I talk about it a lot, think about it even more, and experience it throughout the day.
So I was brought up a little short when I realized I'd been neglecting the most incredible gift life has to offer — each other!

Things like indoor plumbing and the internet are hugely beneficial, but where would we be without those who inspire, educate, and entertain us ... let alone those who show us deeper meanings of love. With that day of love called Valentine's Day right around the corner, I've decided to be more mindful of the manifold reasons I have to be grateful for those with whom I come in contact throughout my day:

• To the new mother doing her best to quiet her screaming toddler — for her patience and poise
• To the cheerful server who put up with our dinner group's ongoing special requests — for showing unquenchable enthusiasm, grace and kindness with nary an exasperated sigh or eye roll (... at least not that I saw)
• To the road-rager who cut me off in traffic — for reminding me that we all have bad days and how I hope when I have mine someone will cut me some slack
• Even to the person begging for money on the street ... the one who I've been told owns a condo and whom I suspect makes much more money than I do — for reminding me that my diligence in supporting myself without outside help and my unpaid 'good works' bring their own rewards

I intend to look for reasons to be grateful for the people in my life long after the commercial celebration of hearts and flowers has been ticked off the calendar. There is so much to appreciate in this life — beginning with the person sitting next to you.

Happy love day! ❤

Persistent love breaks down rejection

This heart-string-pulling video has meaning on so many levels -- and the music is hauntingly beautiful

Leaving the past behind - for everyone

Every day I learn new things. I'm not just talking about facts or skills. I'm referring to the new things we learn about ourselves and our character, our priorities and our proclivities. If we are striving to "be better" people, chances are we are continually improving our dispositions, dropping undesirable ways of thinking and behaving, and we are treating others and ourselves with deeper love.

I am daily grateful for what I'm learning about the beauty and goodness of my fellow man and myself, as well as for the ways I'm growing and my character improving. As such, I often don't feel like the person I was in the past — even if that past was just the day before!

A popular quote says, "Don't judge me by my past. I don't live there anymore." Boy, can I relate! In thinking about this idea, a pair of unsettling questions came to mind. "Am I judging others by their pasts? Am I truly viewing them for the people they are today, as opposed to yesterday?" The answers were very humbling when I realized there are individuals whom I expect to act in certain untoward ways, simply because that is the way they behaved yesterday.

But, if I don't want others to do that to me, then why would I do that to them?!

This is something I'm working on step by step and will continue to do so. I've noticed when I expect people to act 'better' than the day before and look for evidence of this improved behavior, I often find it. This is not setting myself up with expectations that could end in disappointment. Rather, it's seeing the good already within each person, and seeing it manifested in their actions.

We all deserve a fresh start with each dawn. That's the beauty of a new day. So let's move out of the past, together, one day at a time.

Truer Colors

Have you seen those memes making the rounds that talk about how a person's true colors come out if they treat you badly at a time when you're going through something challenging and you're not behaving perfectly?

I've seen oodles of them, written in various forms, but sharing the same sentiment. Whenever I come across one of these thought-provoking posts, I wonder, "What about the people who are treating you badly? Don't they deserve to be given as much slack for their reactionary 'bad behavior' as you do for your behavior in the first place?"

The way I see it, we are all, yes all, doing our best in this life, and if someone doesn't respond or react the way we want, we can either write them off as 'toxic' and not worth keeping around because their true colors are so ugly and unappealing, or we can do just the opposite. We can take a moment to realize that they, like us, are going through something challenging and that we all deserve some slack.

People don't mean to be insensitive and unkind, and it doesn't feel good to be this way. So when someone responds to your crisis in a way that you feel is inappropriate, you have the opportunity to take the high road and elevate both of you.

After all, if we don't love and buoy each other, who will? It doesn't matter what the other guy is doing. It matters what you're doing. And what you can do is to go deeper in your understanding of unconditional love so as not to take perceived slights so personally, and to embrace the ones who react negatively to your struggles, cuz clearly, they're struggling too.

When the dust settles, we'll be better be able to see and discern the real colors of those around us ... and we'll find their beautiful.

Why you deserve the high ground

I was thinking today about some of the abject resistance I've been facing as it relates to my efforts to do what I truly believe to be right and good. The struggle has been ongoing and nearly constantly fierce. During a moment of reflection on the situation, the words high ground quietly came to me. I'd read Sun Tzu and was well-acquainted with the military tactic, but felt I should go a bit deeper with it.

I looked up the term on Wikipedia and was bowled over by what the online reference site had to say. When reading the following excerpt, try to gain a fuller understanding of how the principles outlined can apply to your own life and the struggles or resistance with which you yourself may have been grappling:

High ground is an area of elevated terrain which can be useful in combat. The military importance of high ground has been recognized for over 2,000 years, for example in Sun Tzu's The Art of War, in which military leaders are advised to take high ground and let the enemy try to attack from a lower position. Fighting from an elevated position is easier for a number of reasons. 

Holding high ground offers an elevated vantage point with a wide field of view, enabling surveillance of the surrounding landscape, in contrast to valleys which offer a limited field of view.   

In addition, soldiers fighting uphill will tire more quickly and will move more slowly, while soldiers fighting downhill may not get tired as quickly, and may be able to move faster. 

Furthermore, soldiers who are elevated above their enemies can get greater range out of low-speed projectiles like rocks, javelins, and grenades. Likewise, low-speed projectiles will have less range when thrown uphill.

6 ways to fill an empty heart

Do’s and don’ts to regain the joy of life.

1. Stop being critical. Criticism closes your eyes to the good that has always been yours. Critical states of thought lead to critical mistakes, as well as cause critical states of the body.
2. Stop keeping score. It is not what others do but how much divine goodness you express that will ultimately satisfy you.
3. Stop trying to prove you are right. Instead of telling others you are right and they are wrong, live what is right and your life will begin to sparkle.
4. Start forgiving. Forgiveness means starting over with love. It wipes the slate clean. Forgive yourself and others. Forgiving others is about your peace of mind, not about absolving someone else’s responsibility for wrongdoing.
5. Be grateful. Be grateful for everything good in your relationships and in your home. Gratitude completes the circuit in healing. It awakens you to the magnitude of your divine life. Pain and gratitude are incompatible.
6. Be honest. Honesty allows you to be at peace, even in the middle of unrest. It keeps you strong. “Honesty is spiritual power. Dishonesty is human weakness, which forfeits divine help.” (Mary Baker Eddy – Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures)

Originally posted as 6 SIMPLE THINGS – HELP FILL AN EMPTY HEART BY KEITH WOMMACK - NATIONALLY SYNDICATED COLUMNIST ON HEALTH, THOUGHT AND SPIRITUALITY. Keith’s columns originate at: KeithWommack.com

Vulnerable No More

Finding romantic love is one of the most fulfilling feelings a human being can experience.  But what happens to the heart, soul and psyche when love turns to abuse? When the very person who should love and protect you, instead, attacks and harms you?  In your own home?

Violence against women has been a hot topic for some time. Whether the headlines tell of Arab women being stoned or professional athletes pummeling their mates, the maltreatment of women is making news.  And people are crying out, not only for justice, but for an end to reprehensible behavior.  Here's a PSA featuring many of the Law & Order cast, along with a few other celebrities who took the time to lend their voices to make our world saner.

On a much more diminutive scale, Siren School, the entity that publishes this blog, channels a portion of all proceeds to its philanthropy The Untouched, created to benefit women who have experienced domestic abuse. In their own words:

"Domestic violence requires both a villain and a victim. We strive to remove the victim from the equation."

Take part in any of Siren School's fun and festive programs and you'll be helping to put a stop to domestic tyranny, one siren at a time.

Because abuse doesn't discriminate

Oh Captain, my captain

A loving reminder from the boys of Pearl Jam

Love boat captain

Take the reigns,.. steer us towards the clear.

I know it's already been sung,... can't be said enough.

Love is all you need,.. all you need is love,..

Love.. Love...

Love.

The benefits of K.I.S.S.ing

We've all heard the phrase "Keep it simple stupid"... which I prefer to render "Keep it super simple" as the word "stupid" does little to inspire me.  We know that simplicity is desirable.  It can greatly diminish unnecessary toil, confusion and even heartache.  But how often do we stop to consider why this is actually the case?

Simplicity omits the clutter. It gets to the heart of things, cuts to the chase, and shows what's really going on. Simplicity is beautiful. It's a direct path to meaning. It is clear and straightforward.

On the other end of the spectrum, we've heard people explain a situation or relationship by saying, "It's complicated."  Some people even pride themselves on being complicated and wear the description as a badge of honor.  In such cases I often wonder if what those complicated folk mean is that they are complex.  Being complex is something altogether different than being complicated.

Complexity connotes depth, richness, a harmony of elements and so on.  Think of a favorite dish or wine or song.  These very well may be described as complex.  They may also be incredibly simple.  That which is complicated takes on a whole other set of characteristics.  Situations and concepts that are complicated tend to be rife with tangled webs of disparate elements, running amok on needless tangents, often with their own agendas.  Complication bears little resemblance to harmony or unity... or peace.

Simplicity is available to us all here and now.  It doesn't matter what patterns of thinking we've adopted or what we've been taught.  We can all begin to embrace simplicity in our thoughts, words and deeds.  It may seem like effort at first.  But once we've gotten into the swing of it, we'll see how simple it was all along.  And as a result, we'll experience harmony, simply.

Fallout

Yesterday I had a falling out with a pair of people I care deeply about and have known for years.  This was completely unexpected, especially since throughout the course of these relationships we've experienced no real discord to speak of.  The silly specifics of the situation don't deserve repetition.  The main thing at this point is determining what to do now.

Have you ever been in similar straits?  Feeling misunderstood... maybe even maligned... having your motives and actions called into question... or worse yet, did you take the bait and react to any of it?  What can we do when relationships appear strained or even broken?

In truth, I'm not exactly sure what to do next in my current situation.  But I do know that pointing fingers and adding fuel to the accusatory fire will do no good.  It's said that there are two sides to every story... but that sets the parties in the relationship on opposing sides!  That is precisely the point of contention where I am going to pitch my battle.  These dear ones and I are not foes in a war of wills and hurt feelings and, dare I name it, egos.  We are people who care about each other and have allowed a meaningless miscommunication to steal our joy, peace and goodwill.

Well the buck stops here.  While things settle down I need not just sit around and wait for tempers to cool.  I can actively love all involved (including myself) and see each individual in the best light possible -- the way I saw each prior to the nonsense.  We truly are all on the same side.  And it's the side of love.

More than a Label

Designer clothing labels, nutritional labels, personality disorder acronym labels... profiling, stereotyping, judging, assuming, gossiping.... We are surrounded by labels as well as the incessant temptation to affix them to people, places and things.  This can be helpful if one is looking for a music genre... and downright life-saving if one has a food allergy.  But what good is done by attaching labels to ourselves or our fellow man?

I have long very blonde hair.  Do I think of myself as an airhead or bimbo?  Hardly.  My paramour spends most of his timing being of service to others and has (*gasp*) no day job.  Do I view him as a slacker?  Not remotely.  Many of the labels we superglue to one another may seem innocuous enough, but may actually be more insidious than we realize.

Nevermind Sam. That's just the way he is.  
You know Mom... 
Susan is such a ditz. 
Joe is so opinionated.  
Kyle's late again. 
Chris is always so impatient.  
Dear Lorraine means well. But she is just so disorganized.  
I'm fat.

Sound familiar?  It may not be easy—in fact it may take exhausting vigilance—but peeling the labels off of one another will do more to beautify and add value to mankind than the most exclusive designer accessory ever could.  And underneath those labels, we'll have the pleasure of seeing ourselves as we really are.  And nothing could be more attractive.

You're Highered!

Your qualities can't be measured by quantities
by Joy deVivre

Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel
by Michelangelo

"A workman is worthy of his hire." That's an age-old adage, familiar to readers of The Bible.  I used to understand this to mean that we should all expect a fair wage for the work that we do.  But that is not my current take on this phrase.  I have pondered occasionally how the idea of being adeqautely compensated for work done applies to volunteer projects.  Does the phrase imply that engaging in pro bono activities does not show appropriate respect for our talents and efforts?

Lately, it is dawning on me that the idea of being worthy of our hire has little to do with wages and compensation, and much to do with embracing our talents and allowing them to be fully utilized.  Certainly, the workman is worthy to be hired -- meaning surely each person's talents and skills are valuable and deserving of use ie employ.

My new business brainchild looks to be a niche enterprise... only, no one knows exactly what niche it fills as there is nothing exactly like it to which to compare or liken it.  Does that mean it is not a valuable undertaking just because there are not scores of people banging down my cyber door?

Many of the things I enjoy most are not considered favorites of the masses.  I am a classical music devotee and live in the biggest radio market in the country, Los Angeles.  Yet, there remains only one classical radio station in all of California, and that one is subscriber-supported.  The bulk of the listening public prefers country, followed by rock, pop, hip-hop etc.  I especially enjoy ballet and opera.  But among the small ranks of 'artsy' folk, only about 3% of the people who attend museums, musicals et al have indicated an interest in opera or ballet.  If you analyze the numbers, the popularity of  both of these art forms looks to be nil, and their futures grim.  As a result, do they view themselves as being unworthy or even unpopular?  Hardly.  Those involved in these classic arts know what they've got, and it is sublime. They understand their work and its worth is about the quality of what they are doing, not the quantity of people who embrace it, nor the amount of money generated.

As it applies to my own new venture, as well as the bulk of my activities, which are nearly entirely conducted on a pro bono basis, I intend to go forward with more confidence and even greater altruism, understanding that what I am doing is of great value because it is done with inspiration, obedience to revelation and that inner-compass which never misguides, and with a deep desire to bless others.  This is a higher calling than any offered merely by a high-paid salary or large fan base.  I am happy to be a niche enterprise, and know that no matter how small the niche, I will cheerfully fill it plum full to the best of my abilities.  For I most certainly am a worker, and worthy of my hire.

Nothing can take love from you... ever!

This little darling sums up my friend
perfectly -- blonde, young at heart,
a ballet dancer, and a pinkaholic! 

The person who has known me longest (other than my own family, all of whom are gone) just passed this week.  It was sudden and unexpected, and has given me a great deal to think about -- for some reason, more so than when other loved ones have moved on.  Perhaps this is because of her exuberant and indomitable expression of life.  To be honest, it doesn't feel like she's gone anywhere!

I started thinking about the fundamental reason that death is so difficult for humans to bear.  It occurred to me that perhaps it is in great part because we feel that love has been taken from us, never to return.  The situation seems so final, so hopeless -- especially since we are unable to do anything about it in the way of bringing back the loved one lost.  Here in the U.S. we've always been known for our can-do spirit and fundamental belief in the victory of good over evil.  Our true heroes always win.... in the long run.  So even if things look bleak and messy and impossible for a time, we still expect that everything will be nicely sorted out in the long run.  And so when a dear one passes it is tempting to feel downright helpless, if not fatalistic.

But the good news is that the love itself is never lost.  All the joy and beauty we shared with our loved one stays with us and is at our disposal to take out and cherish whenever we feel the desire.  When a friend or family member is out of the country, or at the office, or in the next room, we do not burst into tears because they are gone.  We know that even though they are not in our physical presence they still care about us and know we care about them.  And that affection does not change or diminish just because someone goes out of our sight.  And so I am going to go on loving and thinking about my friend, just as I would if she was going about her usual business... and just as I do about dear friends that I have not managed to stay in contact with as I should.

The bottom line is we are loved.  And nothing can make us feel otherwise, unless we choose to let it.  And I, for one, choose to side with love and joy, both here and hereafter.

Be less

We always hear about how success in life demands doing more.  Whether this refers to doing greater things or doing more of them, the consensus is that we need to 'accomplish,' in order to be someone deserving of admiration -- to be 'more.'

My business' Facebook page celebrates a theme each week, and this week we are looking at Fictional Heroines.  When considering the topic, my first thoughts went to characters who were decisive women of action, such as Eowyn from Lord of the Rings, Elizabeth Bennet of Pride & Prejudice, The Scarlet Letter's Hester Prynne and, more currently, Hermione Granger of the Harry Potter series.

After my initial zeal over these beloved paragons had tempered, some other names came to mind.  The second wave of  characters didn't shout or brandish swords, but silently crept into my consciousness and sat well-behavedly, just waiting for me to get round to them.  These are characters such as Agnes from David Copperfield, Galadriel of Lord of the Rings and Melanie Hamilton of Gone with the Wind.  These are the female archetypes I have most desired to emulate in life.  

They represent, to me, all that is most noble in the human spirit -- incredible strength, goodness, wisdom, patience, virtue, selflessness, sacrifice for a greater good, and unquenchable loving-kindness.  They look for the good in others.  And whaddaya know... they find it.  Even if the people in question doesn't see it in themselves.  

They bring out the best in everyone around them.  And they do so with quiet dignity, grace and humor.  They need not resort to Machiavellian machinations or physical force.  They are far too powerful for that, as they possess 'deep magic' --the kind of love that Lilly Potter bestowed on her only son, Harry, which saved his life and ultimately equipped and empowered him to defeat evil incarnate.  That's the role model for me!

I admit, there are days when I feel far more Scarlet than Melanie, but as is part and parcel of every 'hero's journey,' there are challenges to be overcome as we come into our own and realize our own nobility and strength. So while the road may often seem long and tiresome, if not downright treacherous, I will trudge on in my quest to improve from within.  And I won't give up until my character is polished into something of which I can be truly proud, and of real lasting benefit to others.  After all, persistence and perseverance are the hallmarks of a true heroine. 

The chicken and egg make peace

Egg shell sculpture by Kyle Bean

The whole chicken/egg conundrum can easily drive one to distraction.  A case can be made for either side, but in the end does it really matter?  Is it not more important that both exist?  And frankly, if physicists are correct in their assertions that our concept of time and sequence is inaccurate, then there would be no coming 'first' for either one!

The same sort of cause/effect questions may be found in many aspects of life.  Does success bring us happiness or, in truth, does happiness bring us success?  Psychologists' surveys and research suggest the latter.    

Given that our attitude has such a tremendous impact on our wellbeing, happiness, and enjoyment of any activity in particular, it stands to reason that we can expect to be happy and joyous no matter what our general circumstances.

So then does this mean that we should not do the things we love most?  Not let our light shine in our own unique and essential way?  Not at all.  It simply means that we can be happy and enjoy ourselves whether we are writing the great American novel or doing the dishes; whether we are watching our child take his first step or changing a flat tire; because we can find the beauty and grace in the moment -- and bring some of the loveliest aspects of our character to bear on any situation.

As for the things we love to do most, I have often pondered whether we enjoy the things we excel at because we are good at them, or is it we excel at these activities because we enjoy them..... It is at that point that chickens and eggs begin to dance around the periphery of my thoughts.  

One thing I do know with certainty is that we all have gifts; and these gifts are meant to bless and bring joy to ourselves, those near to us, and those from afar who are benefited by who we are and what we do.  And so it is actually not a bit selfish to give consecrated thought to what we enjoy most, what about our character and talents we enjoy most; and then go after ways to employ those gifts and talents.  For if we cultivate and use the tools in our individual bags of tricks we will find we are so happy and content and productively active that we no longer see an issue of chickens and eggs.... just joy and purpose for all, regardless of their stage of life.

Transforming the commercial into the sacred

Valentine's Day is known as one of the most commercial, in-your-face, shallow, guilt-laden themed observances in America.  Lovers take exception to the idea of being told when and even how they should profess their love... and if they fail to do so, according to Hallmark's and Zale's mandates, clearly they care not a jot for their so-called sweetheart.

I have friends who dread the day and view it as a searing and bleak reminder of the dearth of love in their lives.  But to all lovers... and by that I mean all who express and feel that sweetest of sentiments -- ie love, affection, fondness, admiration and the like -- I say Valentine's Day can hold great promise and fulfillment.  

Just as I view Thanksgiving as a day set aside for the sole purpose of celebrating gratitude and acknowledging our many (and often overlooked) blessings, I view Valentine's Day as a celebration of love in all its forms, certainly not limited to that thrilling, but frequently fleeting and chimerical form of love known as romance.

And so I invite everyone who has someone whom they value and appreciate, be it a mate, pal, family member, co-worker, a pet, crush from a distance, the dutiful gardner, the cheerful barista, tireless nurse etc, to take pause on future Valentine's Days to let these dear ones know how much they are adored.  Doing so could make someone's day.  It could change someone's perspective. It could even save someone's life.

For you

Heart Nebula IC1805

"I love you

with every fiber of my being.

I have always loved you 

long before I knew you existed

most likely, long before I was even born.

You don’t complete me.

You show me how complete I already am.

You bring out the best in me, yes

but that best is so much better than I ever imagined.

Love without condition

love without pretext

love without possession

without definition -- 

the kind of love that can prevent wars

end world hunger

and keep the stars in alignment --

a kind of love they haven’t written about 

because no words have yet been cobbled to adequately describe it.

Before you I was aiming too low

dreaming too small....

What can I say...

to me

you are

it!

And I am proud, honored, humbled and awed to love you

and always will be.”

~C.H. Hastings

Woops

Things don't always go as planned.

When I got married I went to extraordinary lengths to make every little detail special not only for my husband and me, but for our guests.

And yet.......
things didn't turn out quite the way we'd intended.... despite the fact that I used to work as a a wedding and event manager and had planned hundreds of events... far more elaborate.

For one thing, the cake was completely botched up... a story in and of itself.. (and no, the one pictured was not mine... thank goodness).
The wrong ice sculpture arrived. Our cream puff swans never got baked... as I realized when I found them still raw on a baking sheet atop the oven range hood when we returned from our honeymoon....
But ya know what?  None of that mattered.
And actually, it all made for amusing stories later.

It is dawning on me, that when it comes to our personal affairs, interactions at the office, or... perhaps most challenging of all... committee work, it is not nearly as important that things go efficiently, turn out spectacularly, or even that we earn money or make a big splash or do fine work.  What really counts is how we treat each other in the process.  THAT is what makes for real and lasting success.. the kind that softens and improves our character... the kind that can change the world and economic priorities.

Having a sense of humor doesn't hurt either... and thus, I give you, my all-time favorite wedding fail.

Saline Salubriousness

When I was in middle school, I had a surefire remedy for whatever ailed me, whether the malady was physical, mental or emotional.  It worked like a charm regardless of weather or circumstance.  I would go to the beach and dive in the ocean.  Even if it was winter and I had a nasty cold or the flu, this simple act produced healing results the same day.


Adherents of homeopathy have long extolled the health benefits of salt water within and without.... despite the pollution that sullies our seas.... though using the ocean as a trash dump is certainly nothing new.


Along the same lines, the expulsion of salt water is considered healthful as well.  We associate exercise and sweat with good health. We advocate sweating out a fever when we are ill.  We pamper ourselves with dry saunas and steam baths.  We even indulge ourselves in the occasional 'good cry.'  But I wonder if we truly realize the benefits of this latter activity.


The biggest and most long-standing challenge I ever faced is something I named 'the four years of tears.'  It was utter misery; a hell I often thought I would never emerge from.  More recently, I have gone through a few tearful days, laden with relationship-based sadness.


Tears are usually associated this sorrow and/or loss.  Funny thing is, I am most prone to weep when I find something to be beautiful or sweet.  And it wasn't till just a day or two ago that I realized how mistaken I have been by viewing the tears we cry during times of trial as representing woe and heartbreak.


It occurred to me that, like sea water and sweat, these salty drops are healthful as well.... that they indicate an inner cleansing... sometimes even a purging of that which no longer fits or benefits us.... purifying our hearts and souls for new and perhaps more salubrious joys, loves, relationships, and views of ourselves and others.


Next time I find myself in tears, I will be grateful... not only for the many blessings I have to enjoy daily, but for the tears themselves... those crystal clear cleansing gems that help us to dispense with the old and obsolete, and make way for the fresh and fabulous..... To me, that sounds like a very good cry indeed. 

Once is enough.....

...because it's forever.

A sweetiepie of a friend recently asked me to share with him something that I've never told anyone.... I couldn't think of a thing... because
(1) I am not the secretive type, and
(2) over the course of the last year I have shared every deep, dark, weirdo secret I possess with the kindred spirit who knows me best... oh, but the goods he has on me!

I was very complimented that the first friend mentioned was interested enough to ask such a question, so I sincerely wanted to answer.  At last, while letting my mind wander in the shower (where I do most of my best thinking) the answer dawned on me.  There is only one thing that I have never told anyone.... because I had not realized it myself.  I have only been in love once.... meaning only once have I experienced the kind of love that is so unselfish and unconditional that in my estimation it deserves to be labeled with the greatest word in the universe.... love

At this realization I was tempted to think, "Yikes.. that sounds so pathetic... only being in love once in your whole life"... especially cuz I am not 'with' the person.  Then it dawned on me.... of course I've only been in love once... that's all any of us can ever be!  We're ALL in love... once... even if the face of that love appears to change with time and circumstance.

I've long crooned Bob Marley's refrain 'One Love' with the idea that there is indeed just one Love... just as there is only one Truth, one Beauty, one anything... and that these concepts... especially Love... are so immense and important that they are expressed and manifeested infinitely, and eternally.  And so it stands to reason, that this love I feel is also so big, so momentous, that it can't be contained within personal parameters... ie it can't be limited to just one person; else without that person I would be without love!

And so I am proud to say that I have only been in love once -- because I know that regardless of the package it comes in or face(s) it wears, it is a love that will last forever... and that it is all mine.