For several weeks now, I’ve been feeling sick and uninspired. It’s difficult for me to write simply for the sake of writing, so my spirits lifted when my week was filled with the same recurring, writable theme. I am always trying to understand people–figuring out motives, guessing next moves, and jumping out of the way… Continue Reading
the subjective perspective of an analytical optimist
Tag Archives: love
Alabaster Heart
I suppose I’m an idealist. I seek out auspicious signs of future success. I stare out into the gleaming starlight, awed by the overwhelming vastness. I welcome the thrashings of depth and poignancy. Occasionally I’ll document the experience to revisit–relive–again later. However, there exists a schism, a bottomless chasm between perception and reality, between reality and those (dangerous) conceptual ideals. … The excitement… Continue Reading
Real, Relevant, and Loved
‘Real isn’t how you are made,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.’ ‘Does it hurt?’ asked the Rabbit. ‘Sometimes,’ said the Skin Horse, for he was always… Continue Reading
On Cages, Freedom, and Taking Flight
This is just want I always wanted…but maybe it’s not what I truly want. Have you ever experienced that? You find exactly what you’ve always hoped for, your on-paper ideal, and then realized that maybe thinking you know what you want doesn’t mean a thing? I’ve spent the past several weeks exploring the same insidious… Continue Reading
You Are Perfect, Just the Way You Are
Over the course of the past sixteen months, I’ve had several people comment that I seem wise for my age. Self-aware, genuine, passionately curious, spiritually attuned, intelligent, etc. My first response is always a beaming smile and a gracious “thank you”; my first thought is always that I wish I’d have figured out some of these things sooner. I wish someone… Continue Reading
Live Boldly, Laugh Loudly, Love Truly
Live boldly. Laugh loudly. Love truly. Play as often as you can. Work as smart as you are able. Share your heart as deeply as you can reach. As you awaken, may your dreams greet you by name, and may you answer “yes!” As you walk, may angels gather at your shoulders, and may you… Continue Reading
A Piece of You for a Piece of Me
A few months ago, my friend asked me to be the subject for a conceptual photo project she had planned. I couldn’t say no to the two-fold opportunity to help out a good friend and immerse myself in someone else’s creative process. It was a fun experience, and we were both happy with how the finished product turned out, although… Continue Reading
The Gifts of Imperfection
What if rather than asking “What will she think of me?” we were to focus on the questions “Who am I? How can I love myself more deeply? and How can I improve myself?” I first discovered Brené Brown through her TED talk, in which she discusses “the power of vulnerability.” I loved her talk and immediately… Continue Reading
Why Does Love Hurt?
“Please describe why love hurts.” This is the first topic I’ve had a reader request I talk about. It’s a tricky one, but I’ll answer the best I can. First and foremost, we should figure out what love is. Love as we understand it is a myth. Love is an emotional response due to the… Continue Reading