You Are Loved

Part I: You Are Loved

Dear love,

What would you have me know today?

My dear sweet heart,

You are loved. There’s nothing that you need to do to be loved other than exist. It’s true what A. said—please, breathe in love. Please allow yourself to feel and truly take in the love.

It takes courage to trust in love. It takes strength to know, remember, and believe that love endures. Just think how your own love endures no matter what. Even when you leave someone’s life, the love does not go away.

There is so much love that exists for you. Please do not tell stories that don’t acknowledge or remember the generosity of love you have been gifted in this life. Be innocent, not cynical, in your knowledge and understanding of love. Believe people. Trust them.

We do not love lightly. And we can love many. There is no shortage of love—even when those we love have new people to love.

You are loved. Do not make people prove it to you. That is not loving. Let people love you the way that they love you. Do not put conditions on it.

You get to do you—as much or as little as you like. You can tell people what you like, what you need, what you want, and what you will do. Be yourself. Be honest. Let the kindness of your heart shine through.

What I need you to understand about love is that you don’t own it. You can’t grasp or hold on to it—you must allow it. You can’t control it, you can’t demand it, and you often don’t understand it when it’s right in front of you.

Become more curious all the time instead of projecting. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Allow things to heal. Let things go. Admit when you’re wrong, and hold your ground when you need to.

Do not codepend yourself or others. Try to see it when it happens. Forgive yourself. Be kinder, softer, more gentle with yourself. Do not condemn yourself for your hopeful heart—your heart that hurts sometimes.

It’s okay to want to be loved, touched, held, connected.

Part II: You Are Safe for Yourself

Dear Love,

What would you have me know today?

Dear Heart,

You are not going to get it wrong. You are not bad for choosing yourself. You are not disordered, unhealthy, broken, sick, codependent, messed up, fucked up, traumatized, or crazy for wanting what you want.

All the voices in your head have a lot to say. Love them all. Then love yourself enough to nourish yourself, give yourself what you want, and learn to embrace and receive all that you desire.

I am love—and I say it’s okay. It’s good. Go for it.

Stop asking for permission. Stop trying to please and accommodate and be palatable. Live your life with purpose and unapologetically.

Be kind and lead with love. Be strong. You are a grown woman—you have grown yourself into a loving woman. Embrace all that you are. Do it. Own it. Get it. Be it. Feel it. Follow your yes.

You are safe for yourself. You can and will speak up about what you want.

Love that part of yourself that collapses, dissociates, and surrenders. She is beautiful, tender, and sweet. Give her permission to be herself. Allow all of you to be seen.

Say what you want. Go after it.

What I want is to be held. I want to be touched, cuddled, kissed. I want to feel cared about and seen. I want to feel intimacy and connection. I want to feel turned on. Embraced.