By Ava Nicols
Editor-in-Chief
Love by definition is the feeling of true enjoyment. While it is often seen through a romantic lens, I think love applies to a variety of other things too.
Self-love is among the highest forms of love you can have. I truly believe that when you have love for yourself, it allows room for everybody else to as well. Leading your life with a full and open heart is the key to radiating the receptive energy that is equally, if not more, fulfilling as external forms of love.
Recognizing the love you have for yourself and others outweighs any relationship and it is equally worth celebrating. Being confident and content in all that you do translates into not needing that validation from others but instead being in the position to want it. Either way you’re covered.
Love is a funny thing because sometimes there is such a stigma and serious connotation around it but there should really be no pressure—it is a feeling and you can’t blame or judge yourself or anybody
for the way they feel or the way you feel.
Love is love and you should never be afraid to express it.
I am a believer in the idea that life’s too short not to tell people how you feel even if it’s scary. It saddens me that it is almost embarrassing to tell others how you feel these days, and that embarrassment makes
people second guess their feelings or dilute them, causing unnecessary confusion. Being confident in the love you have for others is empowering no matter its form and that really is a special thing to experience.
I think there is something to be said about love in a high school setting because it is easy to look for it in the wrong places or mislabel it. I for one feel that there is so much love found in friendships that is overlooked compared to short-lived romantic relationships. Caring about others, especially your friends, is such a beautiful thing because platonic love lasts forever.
I have so much love in my heart for the people in my life. Yes, on one hand I am protective about the love I give because it is so genuine, but I also try to still always look for the best in people and seek the good parts. And when it is not good anymore, the most loving thing to do is accept it for what it is and move on.
Taking every experience for what it is—romantic, platonic, or whatever else—and not being afraid to let yourself feel, receive, or give love is the right way to do it, I think.
I hope you all felt the love this week and every week. No matter the magnitude or kind of relationship, love is a great thing and should always be celebrated. Let this column serve as a reminder to be open to love, whatever that may look like to you—I guarantee you won’t regret it.
Xoxo,
Ava
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