Mirror Mirror ~ Chasing Love

Introspection — what better way to start a week.

Question: Do you chase a love that is not returned to you?

Year upon grueling year I chased love. The love of friendship. The love of men. The love of my parents. The love of my children. The love of my siblings. The list could go on and on. Do you know where chasing love got me? Exhausted, confused and feeling alone.

Is love that complicated or is it that we don’t understand what we should look for?

Do not chase love. Love is not earned, it’s given.

My father made me earn my love through very cruel acts. My mother withheld her love or offered me some kind of disdain. Neither taught me I was worth much. As a result, I offered myself cheaply to any sort of affection. I picked friends who didn’t treat me very well. I married a man who dominated me for his pleasure.

Until I learned that love was something that was a free gift.

When I look back at all the broken relationships that used to be in my life, I see a common theme. It wasn’t me that was unworthy of their love — they were not worthy of mine.

I don’t stay where love is not freely returned.

Originally published at http://prisonerbynocrimeofmyown.com on November 28, 2022.