For the first time in my life, I am “in love.” I am literally living from a place of love.
I have spent the last decade pulling apart my thoughts and beliefs, being humbled by how little I’ve known about myself …and, certainly about others. I’ve attempted to replace my judgmental attitudes with a softer curiosity and I’ve worked hard to be able to (more often than not) step back when I am triggered to allow myself some space to have a second thought following the first (and a chance at responding rather than reacting). I have not only found comfort and an ease in my life, I have experienced a seedling breaking through the hard-packed dirt, unfurling into a hearty and blossoming flower.
So, it makes sense to me that it is from this place of a higher love that I have attracted a most amazing partner into my life.
And, whoa, falling in love feels just as great at 60 as it does at 16! In fact, I’d argue, it’s far better! It’s not a ‘falling’ at all – it is really more of a ‘rising’ because it is joining someone in this place of love where I already exist.
At my age, I think it’s easy to get wrapped up in thinking that maybe this ship has sailed; the ‘good ones are all taken.’ I’m ’too old and not as attractive as I used to be,’ that this mediocre and somewhat dissatisfying relationship that I have going on is ‘good enough,’ etc, etc. (You know, all of that hideous self-talk that tries to put one in their place in the name of a reality check by keeping expectations low).
What I can tell you is that embodied self love can attract something far greater than any physical attraction ever could. A beautiful and open mindset, a sense of awe, the magic of someone’s touch, a deep soul-level connection (and, yes, even the belly wiggles) are all out there and fully exist in the realm of the great, perhaps.
It is so critically important to work on loving yourself and living your life. You need to ‘have’ expectations and raise your bar. If you are in midlife and beyond, don’t allow a perceived lack of time to lower your expectations. Don’t settle. Make your life so great that your solitude is like honey overflowing….and not sour or tangy vinegar.
Do not allow a perceived reality to keep your eyes focused downward, on merely not tripping along your path. You might just miss out on the greatest detour of your life…
-Elizabeth
Elizabeth Young holds a degree in Psychology and has a Masters in Education. She enjoys writing in the area of personal development. Her interests primarily center upon improving communication and connecting to creativity and purpose in crafting a meaningful life!