Love. When people hear or see the word, they associate it with hearts, cupids, and gushy feelings towards another person. I am not against any of that, but is that really what love is? No. Love is more than the attraction to another, which commonly is confused with lust; Love is the kindness of a stranger, a hug from a friend, that helping hand when you need it the most, and many more things. This is what we need to focus on when we think of love.
Now, I am a person who looks for love. A smile from a stranger or a good word said really bring me up. Whenever I work on a task or create something, I put my heart into it. Today, all we see is criticism and pointing out the bad, that does not show love. Next time you see a mistake in someone, let them know all about the good you see, and gently let them know the mistakes.
Love is needed in everyday situations, in every place. I was on my bike today, at a four-way stop. I waited my turn, made sure that cars saw me, and began crossing. Someone honked and yelled at me because they were focussed on themselves and didn't want to let a biker go before them. When we become self-centered, its easy to be harsh or rude. This is another place I struggle a lot myself. Not taking yourself into account for everything, and helping someone, even if they are a stranger really shows that there is love and care in the world. Doing this also brings others up, makes them happier.
Finally another place that love has affected my life is my loneliness. I have always been different, never fitting in with a group, so I would stray my own way, doing my own thing. The problem with this is that I am a people person. I was alone, becoming more depressed because I was alone. For the longest time I struggled with waking up in the morning, with having a drive to do anything. I had a few friends show that they cared, show that they would go out of the way for me. In that time I also had many compliments on my graphic design from complete strangers, which just that little compliment helped.
Love needs to be on the front of all of our minds. You would be surprised to see what this will do in your life and the lives of others. Not being self centered, thinking about others for a change has helped me, and it might just help you to feel better about yourself and the people in your life. This is why I spend a night here and there spray-painting, to show that a little love can go a long way. Sure, I feel a little regret in vandalism, but if all I do is make one person think... I have done well. All it takes is a spark to create a flame, and if I can be that spark, I will have completed my goal in this.