Focusing on Love

Love is multifaceted and crucial to our existence. Regardless of how one defines it, love is vital for everyone. As social beings, a lack of love can leave us feeling purposeless.

Our ability to love and reflect distinguishes us as humans, offering us insights into our own experiences. I invite you to take a moment to reflect on your life and determine if it aligns with your true desires.

Let’s explore some introspective questions:

• Do you enjoy what you do? If so, why?
• Does your career provide you with a sense of purpose?
• Do your friends and family make you feel valued?
• Are you nurturing your relationships adequately?
• Are you reaching your full potential?
• Have you become stagnant in your personal growth?
• Are you caring for yourself in all aspects—physically, mentally, and spiritually?
• Do you express love and kindness to those around you?

Even if your answers to the above questions are positive, remember that true fulfillment comes from sharing love and kindness with others. A life focused solely on oneself lacks joy and purpose.

When you dedicate time to uplift others, you not only spread love but also invite it back into your own life, creating a fulfilling existence.

Considering your current life, how would others remember you if you were to vanish? Reflect on this and understand your thoughts surrounding it.

Personal Experience

I once faced a period of deep loneliness and sadness, feeling disconnected from any community. Though I was surrounded by family and friends, I still felt unfulfilled. An opportunity arose to work as a videographer at a summer camp, but I chose to prioritize a job that offered more pay instead.

Months later, I was still struggling to find motivation and satisfaction in my work. A conversation with my parents prompted me to reconsider my choices. They suggested I should take the videography position, which had already begun. Suddenly, clarity struck; I realized I had been prioritizing the wrong things.

After discussing my situation with my partner, I reached out about the job, and much to my surprise, they still needed someone!

Within two days, I was working as a videographer at Camp Wakonda, and that summer became one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Surrounded by like-minded individuals, I found a sense of purpose and joy in my work. I discovered a passion for working with children, relishing the joy on their faces when they saw themselves in the videos.

This experience taught me that community and purpose are essential for happiness, and once I had them, I finally felt fulfilled.

“If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else.”

— Jay Shetty, 8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you faced a time of unfulfillment, and how did you navigate through it? Thank you for your time!