Top & Necklace: Forever XXI, Pants: Buffalo Exchange, Handbag: Thrifted
Photographed by: Danielle "Lil Bit" Miles
"Everything is simpler than you think and at the same time more complex than you imagine."
(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
Life is just complex simplicity. It's a compilation of experiences turned lessons, moments turned memories...There are so many details to life, yet so little effort needed to actually live it. Some of the simplest things we often make so complicated...like love for instance... How complicated should it be just to love? Love is effortless. It exists without any attempt. It is something we are born with, given to share, and carry with us everyday. There is no real excuse for why we make it so complicated.
As natural as it comes, the practice of love can be a bit challenging. Especially in an environment where it's not so easy to translate. Love does not exist where there is hate. We must create it. Manifestation is a real thing.
My life is filled with many stories of hurt, pain, disloyalties, and unnecessary drama. There have been many days where I've allowed my insecurities to consume me, and my actions may have a reflection of that. My energy may have been low making me infectious to myself and others. Those days are difficult. We can't always be happy or proud of ourselves. But as I've matured, I've learned that those days are necessary. Without them I would not continue to grow. Those days are the fertilizer to my blooming life. I've learned that those days I need some alone time. Time to recharge my batteries and get back in touch with who I am and what my purpose is. Even though sometimes I may feel like my world is crumbling down, the only constant that remains is love. I may be down, but I am loved. I may be sad, but I am loved. I may be broken, but I am loved. And with love in my heart I will always be ok.
So, maybe the complexity lies in the lack of faith that love exists. Or the idea that our lives are these giant mazes that we're racing through; with dead ends, trick doors, and no maps to guide us. The truth is our lives are bigger than us. All we're here to do is give love and receive our destinies. We shouldn't put so much time and effort into what we can not control. It is written. Instead of complicating life with the whys and why nots, let's accept what IS and engage more in the practice of love.
Love yourselves: because to give and receive love you must BE love. Love your friends and foes: because they need to be reminded of the love that lies inside of them. Love your family: because you were created by them through love and reciprocity keeps it flowing. Love your life: because it's sacred. It's yours and no one else's. Soak it up. Sop it up. Ingest and digest it. Center your life around love. Be carefree, be gentle, be kind to yourself, have fun, laugh a lot, share moments, make memories. As complicated as life may seem, know that you can get through anything with love. It's as simple as that.