People often look for sources of inspiration and finding a good quote can be a good place to start. Researching quotes on life, love, and grief is common when we need support in igniting a fire, to shed some positivity, or give us a sense that we are not alone with these monumental emotions crushing our insides. Sometimes, we stumble upon an amazing quote unexpectedly. To me, it’s simply the best when I am curled up with a good book, transported into another world, and my eyes fall upon a line that stops me in my tracks. Words are majestic because of the power they possess. And when I stumble upon a line that resonates deep within me, my eyes will typically retrace the carefully strung words over and over again until they are permanently sewn into my psyche.
I always loved poetry. And one my favorite poets has always been William Shakespeare. This following line said by Helena in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” has stuck with me for over twenty years:
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.”
I loved the imagery. I loved that there’s so much more to love than just physical attraction. As a young lady, not quite yet an adult, this line meant a lot to me. I had hated how boys could be so cruel about a girl’s physical appearance, especially mine. Acne is an easy target for taunting and bullying. I don’t feel that the wounds from sharp tongued ignorance ever quite leave you. And side note, if you are young and have acne, please know that you are beautiful regardless. Having clear skin doesn’t mean that you deserve more love and respect simply because you could be the next face of a Neutrogena commercial. I have a passionate distaste for anyone who overlooks and disregards someone simply because they don’t measure up to their beauty standards.
I don’t know if it’s being a middle child and never really feeling seen or heard, or if it’s being a big-hearted girl who idealized the fairy tale ending, or if I just loved connection in general, but I chased after love. I think most girls my age dreamed of falling in love. However, I think for me in the back of my brain if I were to find my love then he was going to make everything better. Now, as a 41-year-old mother of two daughters and having been married for almost 11 years, I know that someone else cannot make me feel better 24/7. I know now that SELF LOVE is really where it’s at. Still, falling in love and being in love is intoxicating. Songs, poetry, books, movies, sculptures, you name it, have been inspired by love. And I hope everyone gets to experience this at least once in their lifetime.
As an artist. I also loved visualizing painting a little cupid with closed crescent moons eyes. I would picture Cupid going around shooting people with their love arrows completely blind. That these little cherubs only knew who their arrows were about to pierce due to their psychic all-knowing heart and mind. I wonder who we would wind up with if we were all blind and physical appearances were no longer a factor.
This isn’t an original thought either, as the reality show “Love is Blind” has been a big success in several different countries. I will admit, the show is one of my guilty pleasures. I think all reality shows ultimately are “guilty pleasures.” And I feel that the majority would agree due to the buildup of the inevitable drama. And yet, I can’t help it. I binge watch it when a new season comes on each year. Even though I understand that we definitely should feel attracted to the person we decide to spend the rest of our lives with… I can’t help but feel bummed out when these couples break up because the weight we place on looks wins in the end.
I’m so curious about what quotes have stuck with you. Please comment and share. I promise I will respond! Thank you for reading, and please remember to be kind out there. Kindness trumps evil in the end.
