“There’s an increasing body of research and knowledge that tells us that living a life of love and compassion is the true path to success and contentment.
So what’s going to stop you? What’s going to stand in your way? What’s going to keep you from achieving your success? What will prevent you from going all in on love?
We’re taught when we’re young that the opposite of love is hate. But it’s not. Hate is a byproduct. Hate is a result. Being a hater isn’t cool. Nobody wants that. But hate comes from one thing: fear. And fear is the opposite of love. It’s not a coincidence that when we talk about bigotry, we often talk in terms of fear: homophobia, xenophobia. Fear is what blinds us. Fear is corrosive. Fear makes us hold back. It whispers to us, tells us that we’ll fail. It tells us that our differences are too much to overcome. Fear locks us in place. It starts fights. It causes wars.
And fear keeps us from loving. Even though we’re made to love, we’re often afraid to love. We’re afraid of being hurt deeply. Afraid of feeling the pain I went through when my parents divorced. But you’re never going to really love something or someone unless you put those fears aside. Don’t hold back. Being in love means being ready to give freely and openly, and being ready to risk something. Risking pain and disappointment, conquering your fears, and becoming anew.
Love is all-consuming — it infiltrates your body, it’s what allows you to experience bliss, joy and true friendship. You’ll be more disappointed when something goes wrong. You might fall harder. But the only way you’ll reach any height in life and in love is by taking the chance that you might fall.
You have to give your all.”
The words above are from musician John Legend’s commencement speech, delivered on May 19, 2014 as part of the University of Pennsylvania’s commencement ceremonies. It’s an amazing speech–a “call to love” so to speak. I admire his willingness to become vulnerable with his audience. I admire his decision to live all in for love. And his statement that apathy just is not cutting it. For the rest of his speech go to
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-legend/penn-commencement-speech-2014_b_5358334.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063
Maybe you, too, will be encouraged to go all in for love. It’s not for sissies, but truly rewarding.
Big hugs and love to you this day!
Passionista Mimi
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