Love fiercely. I cannot doubt this nor deny this to myself, especially in light of expectation of others.
A fellow yogi and friend, Mikaela Holmes, posted a few words I'd like to share with you -
" I moped around all day and just a little while ago decided I needed some yoga, some music, some writing, and to talk to some specific people. Some things I needed to remind myself tonight and might help or resonate with someone else:
Communication is key.
Communicate with those you love. Those you dislike. Those who have hurt you. Those you are trying to understand.
Listen.
Do not anticipate. Do not plan your response while the other person is doing the talking.
Hear them. React.
Get out of your own head. Release the ego. Try to view things through a perspective that is not your own. Embrace empathy.
See the good in people. Do not define them by their faults. Be kind.
Remember positivity and hope. It's easy to be optimistic when things are going well. Keep that. Don't simply resort to pessimism when things are tough.
Do not stoop to low levels. Rise above.
Do not pretend you're perfect. Recognize your own issues and baggage, but do not live in them. Connect with people. Relate.
Differentiate between mistakes and choices. Talk things out. Be honest.
Respect yourself. Respect others. Don't necessarily give up on someone or something if you hit a rough patch. When it is time to let something or someone go, let them go. But avoid rash decisions. Think. Talk. Share. Explain. Understand. Cry. Laugh. Breathe.
Show compassion. Always. Be the bigger person. Give things time. Allow your heart to be your biggest strength. "
Life is about two things - experiences and relationships. Above all else, love and appreciate both with each breath because every experience and relationship is a gift. It is because we are alive and have freedom of choice. Certainly resource availability and circumstance play a role, but does it stay that way forever? Do we allow our situation to define us?
Is there opportunity for growth?
Yes. Always. Grow and be the best you can be!