Protester displays a sign of “love” during San Diego’s first Occupy march in 2011. This was the first protest march I ever witnessed.
Love can't be defined in black and white terms. It's an emotion personal to each individual and can be perceived differently depending on the circumstance. For me, love is my default emotion. I love everyone and everything until I experience otherwise.
I've found that some people only think of love when dealing with relationships such as friends, family and partnerships. I am a strong believer in Will Rogers quote, “A stranger is just a friend I haven't met yet.” Therefore, I love everyone upon meeting them, especially because they're potential friends.
There's too much hatred and greed in the world. Make yourself stand out and be extraordinarily kind to everyone. It can be contagious. Hatred is unnecessary with over seven billion people in the world. If there's someone or something provoking hatred from you, change it and don't focus on it. You control your emotions; don't give up that power so easily, especially to those trying to bring you down.
Some of my favorite quotes on LOVE:
"People were created to be loved. Things were created to be used. The reason why the world is in chaos, is because things are being loved and people are being used." -Unknown
"All you need is love." -The Beatles
"Why is it that as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?" -Ernest Gaines
"Love the life you live; live the life you love." -Bob Marley
“I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends.” -Abraham Lincoln
“Love doesn’t make the world go round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” -Elizabeth Browning
Leave your favorite love quote below in the comment section and tell someone you love them today.
Originally published Nov. 17, 2011
