Christmas Love

Two days ago I was sitting in my most favorite spot to edit, the sun room of the A.K. Smiley Library in Redlands. I always choose to sit in two spots, either right up against the clear glass windows that faces a beautiful garden filled with orange trees, wooden benches, and birds, or back one table so I can see the entire room. It is absolutely beautiful, that room that is filled with vintage wooden tables and chairs, lanterns that illuminate just the right amount of light, and a magical aura. Although just describing this room gives my body chills, while inside of it, it is as if you can feel the souls of each of the authors who's books resides there.

As I was editing Jessica and Alexander's session, I laughed out loud, wiped away several run away trickling tears, and I then decided to reflected on what love meant to me in that moment...

Love is unconditional, it allows us room to grow together. It is laughing at each other, encouraging each other, and respecting each other. It's compromise and hard work. It is raw and authentic. It is playful and fun. It is honesty and trust. It is giving everything you have got to one person without hesitation. It is passionate... but above all, it is coming together as two individuals and growing as one soul... and it is so much more.

This Christmas, and holiday season, I hope we can all take the time to reflect on what we believe love is and express it to each other. I defined my idea of love with two people, but there are so many other kinds to reflect on as well, self love, family love, love for your pets, your job, your children, etc.

Allow love to grow. Allow it to flourish.