Choose to Love Again

It takes courage to choose to love again.

Yesterday I chose a quote by Maya Angelou which reminded us that to love is brave because we must risk everything when we love.

Today I chose another quote by Dr. Angelou because I love how it relates to yesterday’s quote.

If you have the courage to love, you know that you risk everything, including having your heart broken. Will you have the courage to choose to love again? And then again?

What I love about what Dr. Angelou says is that she speaks to all of us. She speaks to the ones who have had their hearts shattered and wonder whether they will find the courage to love another person again. She speaks to those who have been by the side of the one they love for a long time, and reminds them that each day, they choose to love again. She speaks to those who have hurt and been hurt but who want to try again. And she speaks to everyone in between.

Can you find the courage to choose to love one more time? And always one more time?

What will that look like? Will it mean returning a phone call? Will it mean choosing to say something you really need to say, or maybe not saying something that just wouldn’t be helpful? Will choosing to love again mean adopting a shelter dog after losing your beloved companion? Will it mean welcoming foster children knowing you may have to say goodbye just as you find attachment.

What will it look like for you?

Maya Angelou also speaks to all of us as we choose to love ourselves one more time. And always one more time.

So no matter what love will look like today – for others or for ourselves, let’s have the courage to choose to love again.