Is there anything better than the moment you get butterflies in your stomach when you see the one you love walk out of the Airport terminal? Is there anything worse than feeling of emptiness in heartbreak? I don’t think so (I am aware that this definition all goes out the window when I have children).
I don’t know if I would be able to explain my concept of what Love is to a 4 year old. I think Being in Love is only a component part of my definition. The other piece is having Love for others. I Love my parents, I love my brother and I even tell my close friends that I love them. I have recently been challenged to grow and have Love for everybody.
At first I didn’t think it was even possible to have Love for everyone. In all honesty I don’t even like all that many people, I have broken my hands in fist fights in College and have told complete strangers to EFF OFF in traffic. It has been a challenge over the past few years to not display my anger or react without consideration of the consequences for my actions. I have gotten it under control and many of my friends have never seen me upset. Even though this is a great accomplishment, I was still a long way from being able to have Love for everybody.
I was taught a lesson on how yesterday. I had an interaction at my Crossfit Box with another gentleman that was unbelievable. Words were said to me that made my pulse raise up, my face feel hot and caused me to clench my fists. I was pissed, but I kept a half cocked smile through the interaction. Through the workout I went through a series of emotions that were not positive in nature and went into a spiral of discontent. I pulled myself out of the tailspin and I realized I needed to Love this guy. Sure, I disagree with how he handled the situation but that’s not important in the big scheme of all of this. I can not like what he said but still Love him.
I don’t know this guy’s name, his struggle or even how his day went. All I need to know is that by me showing him Love he could become better. After the workout finished I walked over to him. He had a look in his eyes showed preparation for confrontation. I reached out and shook his hand and offered congratulations for the effort he put forward in the workout. What he said or what he did means… nothing. I have love for him. I hope somewhere in that he felt it and spreads it even further. Love everybody. Unconditionally.