“No Job. No money. No Love,” was written on a flimsy piece of cardboard being held by a man in a wheelchair on Wilshire. I was almost moved to tears by this glimpse into this man’s reality. No job. I’ve been there. No money. I’ve been there too. But to not have love, I think that would kill me.
I truly believe we are all put here to love at our highest capacity and to receive moments of unconditional love from others strung together by our memories. Love is a birthright in my opinion. You shouldn’t have to do anything to receive love. But that cardboard sign is a tangible reminder that there are people living in the absence of love.
I’m a lover. I love with every fiber of my being because that is how love has been shown to me. My mother taught me how to love. It is her example that I follow. I’m fortunate to have a mom that is willing to cut off her right arm if it meant saving mine. Without her it may have been easier to understand where the man in the wheelchair was coming from.
At first glance, love me not be readily apparent. Look a little harder. We tend to look for other people to validate us by loving us in the way we feel we need to be loved. The greatest love is the love for self. Now that I think about it, that’s the sad truth of what I have just witnessed. The man is now void of self-love. What does it take to love yourself? You don’t need any money for that. To hell with a job, that won’t love you either. Loving yourself unconditionally, in spite of circumstances, disappointments and failures is not without work. My prayer tonight is that the man with the sign finds self-love. If he can muster up the courage to love himself again I know everything else will follow.
Tell someone you love them today. But most importantly, love yourself.
Mikki Bey is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist who believes in the power of the universe to bring her all the desires of her heart. Fearless, determined and capable – she’s a bad mamajama! She can be reached at mikki@mikkibey.com.