One Apple A Day #1033

Love them

"You cannot save people. You can only love them." ― Anaïs Nin

This quote by Anaïs Nin, or a similar one using "change" instead of "save", is everywhere. It is such a simple statement to read yet so painful to live.

These words came back in a few conversations lately. The fascinating thing is that those conversations were on different subjects, from personal relationships to politics and society. Yet, I keep coming back to that truth.

"You cannot change people. You can only love them."

If I look at the stories of the leaders that I admire, I can see that one of the traits that made them great was that they loved the people attacking and hurting them. They didn't just accept the struggle. They loved it. And because they loved them so relentlessly, they changed them.

In my humble experience, that is true for anything, in particular relationships. If you react against the things you disagree with or dislike, there will be conflict. If you passively accept them, there will be bitterness and resentment. 

But when you love them, you transcend. Then the change happens.

In such divisive times, we put so much energy into changing others that I wonder what would happen if we just love them?

P.S. I was looking for a picture to add to this post. I wanted something that talks about love without being too cheesy. And then I remember this picture I took yesterday of our little dog, and I realised that she is a perfect example. She doesn't try to change anyone; she just loves, and her love is changing us.