Love, as a choice

Years ago, I discovered love as a choice and not a feeling as I grew up thinking it was. Love is something I wake up everyday and choose to do. Despite the feelings I have.

The trouble with love as a feeling is that most times feelings hurt. That's when it gets hard. It's hard to love through the hurt. That's when choice matters.

You see, we are all living this flawed human experience. We are totally clueless about life even though we like to pretend. Pretend we are perfect. Pretend we are unselfish. Pretend we'll do no wrong.

Love, is choosing to share in this human experience of pretending, failing, seeking forgiveness, and forgiving. Daily...

In my younger years it felt simpler. Choosing was easier. As time passed, the layers of hurt formed around my heart, disconnecting me from my ability to choose. All I could do was feel.

As I learn that happiness resides within me, I wonder. I wonder whether love is the same. Is the love I chose still within me? Hidden by the hurt?

What would it take to peel the layers away to get back to my choice? is that also a choice?