“He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don’t hurt him, don’t change him, and don’t expect for more than he can give. Don’t analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he’s not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always one guy that is perfect for you.” – Bob Marley
I started working on another post today about reaching your goals and putting yourself on blast, but this Bob Marley quote keeps calling me.
I’ve been thinking a lot about falling in love lately.
I’ve only been in love once in my 32 years, and while I’ve been totally infatuated and head-over-heels about certain men, I’ve only really loved my son’s father.
I met him 10 years ago, and in the span of a decade we’ve been on one hell of a ride. From the early days when we created a world so small only the two of us could fit, to holding him down through a prison bid, and now, though we barely speak (but he’s always on my mind), our relationship remains one of the most defining and definitive of my life.
But the time has come; I’m ready to move on.
Although I’ve dated others, I’ve always been a little afraid to be vulnerable and give myself so completely to another person again. I don’t want to get hurt, and I most certainly don’t want to get played.
But the more I take some time to think about the type of life I really want (the big, awesome, amazing one), the more I realize that I need to let go of all of my fears to get it.
With that said, this is why the Marley quote hit me in the heart.
I am not a perfect woman and I am not looking for a perfect man. What I want is simple: Someone who can make me laugh, challenge me to think, and inspire me to be better.
Is that too much to ask?
~
No, ma’am! Not too much to ask at all. Here’s to new possibilities in life and love!
Mercy mercy me. I feel like I don’t have to say I totally agree and that I’m totally there. It doent always feel like fear, sometimes (like your newsletter this AM) it feels like the struggle to believe the deserve level. Not gonna get too deep cuz I’m actually writing about this now, but i’d encourage you (as I know you’ll encourage me) to ask for what you want, expect it and trust God to bring good things your way. The more we expect (and what we expect) will come. And until now I’ve expected to be disappointed, played, hurt and left alone. And guess what? Yeah, time to shift.
As usual…we are as one 🙂
As always, this is an awesome post. Yeah I struggle with being in love. As you mentioned in the Morning Motivation, sometimes I don’t think I am good enough. I struggle with self-esteem (secretly) for years. I put on a front like I am so big and strong but I’ve struggled so much. I had to learn how to love myself and still continuing to learn how to love myself. Thanks for the post.
thanks for reading Stacy. And in case you were wondering, you’re AWESOME!
I can’t say that I am afraid of love. I just let go of a complicated “situation” and it wouldn’t be fair to get into something new while I am still slightly broken. I don’t want to be that scorned woman. So I refuse to allow anyone to get hurt by these broken pieces I’m still trying to put back together.
This spoke to my heart! I have recently come to the same realization. I am two years out of a crazy whirlwind relationship and I am so afraid to go through that again. I am finally ready to move on but would rather be alone than crazy 🙂
Thanks for writing this! *puts Bob Marley on*
It’s not about being afraid. Who wants to love his crazed woman, eh?
Beautiful post! Wish you the best mama!! 🙂
The struggle #life