Do not be afraid
to love what you love.
Stories, music, characters, even objects,
these all become parts of us
and all too often we feel ashamed
or that we must hide them
for one reason or another.
But these things matter.
They are important.
They make us feel,
they make us believe,
they move us and they form us,
and there is no shame in that.
With people,
those that you love,
love unrestrainedly.
Love wholly and deeply
and in lights and sounds
and colors and wonders
and in calm and quiet.
Love with your whole self,
body and mind and heart and spirit.
Yes, it is scary.
And yes, there are times
you will be hurt.
Do not regret the love that you have given.
Or worse, the love that you have not.
And do not fault the love
that you have not received.
Love is not a trade or a bargain.
And love is not a guarantee.
Bukowski said:
“find what you love
and let it kill you.”
Others have countered:
“find what you love
and let it bring you to life.”
I don’t know who is right.
Maybe both.
But find what you love
and let yourself love it.