Loved up...to love and to be loved

With Valentine's Day over for another year, the weekend just gone was dominated with themes, stories, purchases and conversations all in the name of love. Naturally it got me thinking about love and just how "loved up" we really are.

There are the things we love, those tangible and intangible things such as our cars, where we live, our homes, different foods, certain drinks, items of clothing...code for shoes and certain brands - hello Jimmy Choo, intelligent and well made TV and movies, celebrities, various genres of music, times of the day, to be and breathe, laughing until it hurts, selfies and social media, reading, singing and dancing like no one is watching, nature and animals, exercise, yoga, sleep ins, a quiet moment in time over a cup of green tea, watching the sun set, seeing the world and learning new cultures; the list goes on and on. 

Then there are the symbols of love. A perfectly shaped love heart, usually red in colour, is probably the most recognisable and distinctive symbol used for love. Further, there are the boxes of chocolates, red roses and flowers generally, candles and rose petals (usually scattered in the shape of a heart), romantic music, Cupid and his bow and arrow and sweethearts candy.

From symbols to displays of love, the most common being "public displays of affection" such as holding hands, a kiss, a hug or an embrace. Or spending quality time with loved ones, giving presents, cards or notes with words of love and affection and acts of doing and giving selflessly. 

Finally and most importantly, there's the feelings of love for the people we love; our family, our friends, our significant others and the love we have for ourselves. Potentially differing from one person to the next, the feelings of love can be expressed and felt in so many ways.  From "butterflies", bubbling and tingles to trust, respect, communication, nurturing and compassion just to name a few, we all know and recognise such feelings. When love exists without conditions, judgement disappears despite imperfections, forgiveness occurs without question, giving happens without request, knowing exists without words, presence manifests regardless of distance. These are the people we would walk to the end of the world and back, barefoot and without water....well maybe one bottle. And we all know to love someone unconditionally, you need to love yourself.

There's so much I love in this life. From things, to doing, to being, to experiencing, to learning...countless opportunities to warm your heart and make you smile.  But right up there on my "loved up" list is enjoying quality time with the people I love. Every catch up, every conversation, every message, every photo, every laugh, every meal shared, every memorable moment makes me feel soooo good. It always reminds me while it's great to love the shoes, to love the travel and to love doing certain things, without people to love and love us, the rest doesn't feel or seem half as good. It's that solid foundation of love we share with loved ones and have for ourselves which fosters feeling "loved up" and enables us to go out and love all the other fabulous things life has on offer with even greater vigour. 

The Svelte Brown Fox

...celebrating the little and simple things which make you smile and remember life is good