What is love?

How do you define a concept as complex as love?

Let's begin with the prerequisites for love:
1. Knowing or seeing another to their core.
2. Liking that person immensely without seeking to change or fix them. Instead there is deep admiration, respect, and you feel inspired by who this person is and how they act.
3. Developing the skills and emotional awareness to have a successful relationship.
4. Making choices and taking action that prove the first three.

It is only when these 4 conditions can be met, that true love can be experienced. I think true love is extremely rare. When love is true, it is by default, reciprocal, unconditional, and everlasting.

True love: consistent, reciprocal, mindful, intentional connection between two deeply knowing and feeling souls. It inspires, motivates, fulfills and sustains.

Unconditional love: no expectations, selfless, no focus on outcomes, letting go of control.

A special person once told me "you ARE love". It took me a while to figure out that love is not something you give or receive, but something within you that needs to be nurtured to grow.

I firmly believe there is no higher achievement in this life than love. We are all drawn to it, to people we think we can love, to people who can teach us how to love, and to the pursuit of love. Love, or a lack of it, impacts everything in and around you. So go on, "be love", and watch a beautiful life unfold. Who knows, you may even end up finding true love! I can tell you it will warm your soul forever.