Beginning to fade from the extended exposure to sunlight was a child’s artwork project on my friend’s refrigerator. Her daughter was asked to fill in the blank inside a heart glued to pink construction paper. It simply read: “Love is…” Here was her response:
“Love is happiness in your heart.”
How simple, yet accurate.
Children have a way of providing clarity, truth and beauty through their innocent, young eyes. Conversely, we, as adults, have a way to over-complicate things in our lives. Googling “what is love” will bring a plethora of information on the topic from dating/relationship sites, publications dedicated to psychology, various sites with definitions, and even yoga-centric articles on the topic. These often over complicated explanations and analyses seem to obscure what is at the essence of loving and being loved.
I like the five-year-old definition best.
What about you?
{Today’s piece was inspired by the Studio30 Plus writing prompt this week: heart.}
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I like the five year old’s explanation as well. I’m very fortunate to have lots of love in my life – from my amazing children, to a host of friends and most recently the woman with whom I am happily sharing my life. There are so many ways to describe, show, express and at time over-analyze love. Ultimately, though, it’s what fills me with happiness. Thanks for the insightful post Kelly!
You are welcome, Sean. Thank you for becoming a regular reader on my site!
Like you, I am thankful for a love that has brought great joy and happiness to my life.
Well that is one reason I love having my girls. They come home with school projects like that and it just … simplifies things. We certainly do over-complicate things as adults and over analyze. Love is happiness in your heart. That’s pretty awesome.
Isn’t it, TB? I just love it.
It reminds me of something from years back when people would say that we are born with all the answers of life, but we forget them as we age. At 5 years old, she sure got it right. A good reminder that simple is usually best. Thanks Kelly.
You are welcome, Kath. This little girl’s explanation has set me straight a few times in relationships. I was happy to share it.
If love comes from appreciating goodness, it needn’t just happen ― you can make it happen. Love is active. You can create it. Just focus on the good in another person (and everyone has some). If you can do this easily, you’ll love easily.
What a beautiful comment, Sabrina. Thank you for sharing it.
i know about love of animals family and of God but part of me has given up on finding love as in relationships too many failed attemps and guys don’t match up to what I’m looking as in I’m waiting till marriages and they can’t get past their hormones
Best of luck to you, Lorrie. Have faith in finding the perfect-for-you partner.
How nicely the five years old express her position. Really it’s true that the heart of the children are the most brightest in this world. There is no ambiguity in their behavior, no confusion in their speech. They do what they believe.
Blessings for the kid 🙂
Thank you, Natalie. She is a beautiful child. Children don’t have a jaded perspective, and their hearts are so full. We have much to learn from little ones.
I prefer the 5 year-old’s explanation as well. If you really think about it, that’s what it boils down to!
Wasn’t this great, Jenn? I just love the simplicity and truth in the message.
How sweet and yet how powerful an answer…
The message is something that will stick with me for years. Actually, I hope I never forget the message.
We, as adults, tend to complicate things, don’t we? Love the simplicity and essence of that answer!
I agree with you; the simplicity is a refreshing change.
for me…………i find love as a silent killer…it really us…
For me…. love is main intentionally for sexual relations… without sexuality there is no reason for love n affairs each other.
Love that kid’s definition! I think I’ll ask my boys “What is love?” just to see what they say.
That’s a great idea!
Love is life’s reward. The prize. The big payoff.
And as a more selfish side-effect, especially for someone as socially-challenged as I once was, love feels like…
Victory.
It does feel like victory. There are times I am enjoying a simple moment with Sean and think, “finally!”
“Love is cookies for dinner.” – [Maris]
Oh, I like Maris!
A sad day when you have to Google a definition for love. Nice write!
Thank you, KG!
I love the simplicity of the child’s mind. We see a red dress. They see a pretty dress. I love hearing kids describe the world around them. It’s a great reminder to stop the over-thinking.
Yes, Dawnie, it is. I learn so much from children when I slow down to be present in the moment and listen. They are wonderful teachers to us busy adults.
How had I missed this post when you originally posted it? And yes to Joe and Maris – love is cookies for dinner.
Love is (also) a smile first thing in the morning.
A great one Marie Nicole!