I once left everything I knew and cared about for the chance at learning to love myself. 

For a time, as part of that quest, I lived alone on a remote jungled shore of the Caribbean Sea in Colombia. One day, at breakfast I overheard a local talking about a “crazy gringo” who spent several days “digging” and “building” on the beach north of the fishing village before he mysteriously disappeared back into the jungle. 

Later that day, I found myself hiking several miles up the beach in the scorching noonday sun. For a long while I saw nothing but water, sand, and coconut plantation as far as the eye could see in either direction. Gradually in the distance, I saw a large structure made of driftwood. As It grew, I saw 3 tall pillars of sun-bleached wood latticed by long, dark, twisted branches. At the center of the structure, there was a circle drawn in the sand and a beautiful stave of driftwood planted there like a banner. To get to the center point I had to pass under a large “archway” (of sorts) that faced the sea.

On the inside of that arch boldly scrawled in charcoal was written: 

“LOVE IS THE ANSWER”

I’ve never forgotten those words.

As children, we do not question whether we are worthy of the love we receive. We receive it and give it freely. Because of this, children are unquenched vessels of joy, wonder and big feelings. 

As we go through the world many of us unlearn, question or lose the ability to truly receive love. Some of us are taught that Joy can be earned only through some kind of suffering. Others of us learn that wonder is mere naivete, and great feeling needs to be curbed in order to succeed.

Maybe you learned that you had to give something or be some way to receive love. Maybe you trusted others who said they loved you and were disappointed.

We all have our story, our doubts, our questions. But wherever you are on this journey, love is still the answer. And you are the one to deliver it. 

Are you (or someone you know)...

• Seeking your birthright as a joyful, wonder-full human, worthy of the deepest unconditional love?

• Finding that your boss is an asshole? (But you work for yourself?)

• Learning to take care of yourself, but falling back into the old patterns over and over again?

• Looking to others for relief but are consistently disappointed?

• Dealing with a harsh voice inside your head (your thoughts) that won’t give you a break?

• Skeptical about all this love-talk?