So this is me as a child. As you can see like many little girls, an attraction to puppies (and all things soft and furry) was automatic. This was taken by my parents after they found me asleep in the shed with our dog, Sunday, sleeping on my belly. The thing was my unconditional love wasn’t just for cats and dogs, I would rescue roly poly bugs from spider webs and even rescue spiders if they were in danger. I’m sure this may sound a bit unusual but I can’t help it, I have a respect for all living things. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have spiders and insects as pets, however, I totally understand if you do.
I was picked on a lot by other kids as a child – always the new kid and the glasses didn’t help (the term “four eyes” was used a lot) so my pets always gave me the unconditional love I needed. My parents did too but for play-mates, kittens and puppies were my buddies a lot of the time (and the occasional grateful roly poly bug).
Growing up in the sixties, the only glasses available were cat glasses so that’s what I’m wearing in the picture- kind of apropos huh? Not really related to this topic but had to throw it in there…so where was I? Ah yes, getting to the heart of the topic, “3 ways to unconditional love”.
Before we continue, I would like to mention that I left God, Jesus and all religion out of this article. Not because they aren’t important, just because this isn’t a religious article.
So, my pets loved me unconditionally and I returned the love (so easy to do with pets) so that would be the first way to unconditional love – if you don’t agree, then I assume you aren’t a pet lover and won’t be on this page anyway…
If you do agree, then you may be tormented when you hear about animal abuse or mistreatment. If this is you, my heart is with you. One of my goals with this blog is to contribute to animal welfare.
The second way – I heard it said that you can’t love until you love yourself. Well, sorry but I totally disagree. I have loved pets my whole life and am just now getting to love myself. Not saying you shouldn’t love yourself – you should, you ABSOLUTELY should! This love is probably the hardest of all. And to do it unconditionally? That’s really tough! Why is this so hard? I would guess because we listen too much about what others/society tell us how and what we are supposed to be. Let’s see, women are all supposed to be tall and skinny with long hair and big lips. No, wait, they’re getting buttock injections and bigger breasts. Okay, okay, so tall and skinny except for my butt and my breasts… and men are supposed to be rich and handsome with fast cars…sigh…
It took me awhile to realize that some things are just not obtainable, and they shouldn’t be! We are all not meant to be skinny with big butts! Unless you’re in Hollywood and need the big bucks, give yourself a break. This is another way to unconditional love – acceptance and love of self.
So now what is the third way you ask? I’d be asking that myself at this point. Before I answer, let me say, that I realize this may be difficult for some as we all have different lives and circumstances and challenges; but let me also say there’s a workaround. In addition, these ways are not listed in order of importance or greatness. Each one is important and great in it’s own way, in my humble opinion.
The third way is from the people who make up your family. The good news is “family” does not have to be people who are blood-related. They can be adopted, once removed, or friends. I have friends who I am closer to than some of my relatives. You can choose who your family is, so you don’t have to have relatives to have family. I realize you can’t make your family love you unconditionally, but the ones who are truly your family will; sometimes it takes a bit to figure out who they are though.
Stay safe and well during this Coronavirus quarantine.
