Love, Love, Love

This past weekend, I was Showered.

I'm not sure where the tradition for showers comes from or the official reason they're called "showers." Perhaps it's because they're for showering the bride/couple/mom-to-be with gifts.

Personally, I think it's all about the Love, man.

It's hard to put into words, but I don't think I have ever felt more LOVE in one sitting in my entire life. I mean, I enjoy throwing parties for people and gifting them with treats and wishing them well.

And I treasure my family and friends above ALL.

So when I was sitting at my parents' house, taking in all of the decor and food and favors that my mom, aunt and cousin had pulled together for this amazing tea party, opening gift after thoughtful gift from my sisters and aunts and cousins and friends old and new, and listening to the 2-CD set of makeout music my sister had compiled with all the songs my friends and family had suggested, I was consumed with one singular thought: I am loved.

And the universe won't let it be, either. I came home last night, bags bulging with cookware and slutty lingerie, to find that my fiance had done all these wonderful projects around our apartment for me while I was gone. Then today, I received a package from my dear friend Joe filled with all kinds of goodies including, humorously, a book on wedding cake and a book on getting fit before the wedding (presumably so you can have as much cake as you want).

I am truly loved.

It's such a mind-blowing thing that I barely know what to do with it. The only thing I can think to do is to pass it on.

Because, think about it: YOU. Are truly loved.

If you have ever received a thoughtful gift from a friend or family member.

If you have ever received a compliment.

If you have ever gotten an email saying, "I heard this song today and totally thought of you."

If you have ever been invited.

If you have ever known someone to go out of the way for you.

If you have ever bought yourself a CD or new shirt or fabulous pair of boots, or just treated yourself to a day to yourself with nothing to do but whatever you want.

Sure, it's easy to get all mushy and extol the virtues of Love when you're in a relationship and you're in love. But it's also just as easy to forget about the virtues of Love whether you're in a relationship or not. As someone who was just recently reminded, let me tell you--the Love in your life is powerful. Whether it's the Love of your family, your friends, your lover or yourself, it is a force to be reckoned with.

Remember the Love you have. Enjoy the warm blanky feeling you get when you think about the people who love you. Don't think about why; just enjoy it because it's true.

And then, by all means, thank them, show them you Love them back, and pass it on.