Believe, when you are most unhappy, that there is something for you to do in the world. So long as you can sweeten another’s pain, life is not in vain.

- helen keller

Freedom and love go together. Love is not a reaction.

If I love you because you love me, that is mere trade, a thing to be bought in the market; it is not love. To love is not to ask anything in return, not even to feel that you are giving something – and it is only such love that can know freedom.

words by krishnamurti

you were loved because god loves, period. god loved you, and everyone, not because you believed in certain things, but because you were a mess, and lonely, and his or her child. god loved you no matter how crazy you felt on the inside, no matter what a fake you were; always, even in your current condition, even before coffee. god loves you crazily, like I love you…like a slightly overweight auntie, who sees only your marvelousness and need.

by anne lamott

within you is a place of love and grace.

it is a place without fear

where there is no need to defend or prove,

no need to lie or hide.

from this place springs words of truth,

actions of courage,

and a life of love.

wait patiently for the voices of fear in your mind

to cease their frantic call to action.

become aware of what the next clear step of love might be.

be patient with yourself.

the qualities of a lover

do not depend on externals.

they take root in your own soul

and grow as your attend to them.

they all lie within you.

by william martin

-words by alice mary hilton

it was the passionately falling rain and electrifying roar of thunder that induced a kid-in-a-candy-store excitement this weekend. i have been patiently awaiting this storm since i showed up in the lone star state over a month ago. so when it arrived friday night, i felt a sudden urge to pick up the phone and share the news and then run outside to feel the rain on my face. instead, i grabbed the ever-so-captivating book that has been keeping me up all hours of the night and smilingly tucked myself into bed, silently relishing an extraordinary moment of perfection.

You can explore the universe looking for somebody who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and you will not find that person anywhere.

~buddha