[blockquote source=”Brene Brown”] We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known, and when we honor the spiritual connection that grows from that offering with trust, respect, kindness and affection.

Love is not something we give or get; it is something that we nurture and grow, a connection that can only be cultivated between two people when it exists within each one of them – we can only love others as much as we love ourselves.

Shame, blame, disrespect, betrayal, and the withholding of affection damage the roots from which love grows. Love can only survive these injuries if they are acknowledged, healed and rare.”[/blockquote]

I received my very first ‘hate mail’ yesterday – from someone who, in my haste, I inadvertently offended.

But, I didn’t mean any harm by it – not at all. I was merely trying to diffuse the situation. In fact, had there been a moment to genuinely connect, she would have seen that my motives were for the greater good.

You see, I firmly believe we have not only the capacity for good – but the responsibility for securing it, as well.

Emotions can be such a tricky thing.

Though providing us the depth to secure a much more meaningful connection, they can likewise spur such horrible knee-jerk reactions.

And, to react without having first truly connected, I believe to be one of the greatest limitations of mankind.

But, it is also what makes us so wonderfully human.

Our imperfections help to shake us from these rigid molds, to see things perhaps a slightly different way -and, appreciate that which we have yet to discover.

It’s in our falling down, that we learn the joy of rising up again.

Perhaps, I am a bit protective of our space here. You see, I view it as our home – with you, my most cherished guests. And each day, I feel so very blessed to learn from each of you – just how very far humanity’s hand may reach.

Because, my dears it’s through your loving thoughts that I am reminded of my purpose. And even on those days when I may feel just a bit overwhelmed, I’ve only just to come right here and suddenly my heart is once again, restored.

But, I promise you that I am in no way trying to shield myself from the realities of this world.

I’m 44 years old, and I have Parkinson’s disease. And, each day I watch as another sliver of my mobility slips away.

But, when I think of my future it is not at all with regret – rather a burning desire of ‘how can I get this done.”

And, on those days where I find myself with not nearly enough strength – I rest, assured, in the kindness of others….that there will always be a hand waiting to steady me, in this journey of my many years to come.

If that’s not reality, I don’t know what is.

But, I do know this – that, it is my purpose to leave this earth, a much better place than when I arrived. And whatever time I have, will be spent tending to humanity’s ‘garden.’

Because, in the end – I believe strongly that it’s our imperfections that serve to connect us in our ‘humanness.’

Much love, my most beautiful friends – and for those who are interested in the end of this story, it’s quite a nice one…as we ended up finally connecting.

And, isn’t that the greatest joy in this life – when the very barriers impeding understand and love can be tumbled?