"L'amour est antérieur à la vie, postérieur à la mort, initial de la création, et l'exposant du souffle"

Love is a force that transcends the boundaries of time and existence. It's something that starts before we're even born and continues long after we're gone. Think of it as the spark that ignites creation and the essence that sustains our very being. Love isn't confined to a moment or a lifetime; it exists beyond the physical realm, kind of like a timeless energy.

Emily Dickinson, a reclusive and enigmatic poet of the 19th century, penned these words to capture the omnipresent nature of love. During her time, love and emotions were often explored with a sense of mystique and depth. Dickinson's own life was filled with intense, yet often unspoken connections, which influenced her poetry. Her words reflect her belief in love as a universal, eternal truth.

Let's bring this idea into a real-life scenario. Picture a grandmother who recently passed away, but her love is still felt by her family. She might've knitted blankets, baked cookies, or simply shared stories. Those knitted blankets still warm her grandchildren; her recipes are still a go-to for family gatherings, and her stories are still cherished memories. Even though she's no longer physically present, the love she gave continues to influence and comfort her family. It’s like she’s still there, in the fabric of their daily lives.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Start small. Show love in your actions, no matter how mundane they might seem. Cook someone’s favorite meal, write a heartfelt note, or just listen when someone needs to talk. These gestures might seem insignificant now, but they build a legacy. They create connections that last beyond your presence. Imagine being remembered not for the things you owned, but for the love you shared. That’s powerful.

Here’s a story to illustrate this concept. Imagine you're a teacher. You take a moment to encourage a struggling student, telling them you believe in them. Years pass, and you might not remember that interaction, but that student does. They carry that moment with them, gaining confidence and striving harder because someone believed in them. They go on to succeed and perhaps even pass on that same encouragement to others. Your small act of love—those simple words of belief—has created a chain reaction, impacting lives you've never even met.

In essence, love is the thread that weaves through the tapestry of life and death, creation and existence. It’s the unspoken force that binds us, influencing generations. So, when you think about your actions today, remember they carry the potential to echo through time. Love deeply, act kindly, and know that your essence can outlive your physical presence. That’s what makes love the core of our existence—timeless, boundless, and ever-present.