What Is Love?

I spent Valentine’s Day 2022 in beautiful Kona Hawaii. Not too shabby but I was alone. I booked the Luau dinner show for that evening, and I took a pretty pink and red dress to wear. I bought a pink hibiscus hair clip and I wore a beautiful heart necklace designed by my friend Tara. I went down to the Luau and took my seat at my table for one and got my complimentary Mai Thai drink complete with a paper umbrella. The buffet was filled with traditional Hawaiian food, a Kailuha pulled pork, cooked in the ground, poi and pineapple. The musicians were playing original tunes about island life. The dancers performed the hula and the host explained the meanings behind the movements and hand gestures.  There was fire blowing and drums and dance as the sun sank over the water. It was a memorable experience I will never forget. I returned to my room and put on my pajamas and grabbed the book I was reading. As I sat on the dark terrace listening to the waves crashing below I reflected on love. What is love?

Romantic love between two people? I had that once in my lifetime. It ended sadly after twenty-two years in divorce. The love of my daughters? Unconditional and forever. The love of my Mother? The same. But what of the love of myself? Self-love is something that sounds selfish and egotistical. But true self love is a necessity for true happiness and fulfillment. I realized in that moment that I actually do love myself. The woman I have become and the woman I am continuing to become through recognizing my authentic self. I am kind and loving. I am a great friend. I am a good mother and daughter. I am worthy of loving and being loved. True self love is accepting who you are and owning it. I embrace myself and who I am and who I want to be. I continue to better myself and work toward my life goals, even as I approach 65 years old. Maybe because of my age and “wisdom” I am even more determined to have the life I dream of, the life I deserve. So do you. Embrace yourself and love yourself!

GG