Life's Superpower, People's Kryptonite

Remember those sweet days on the playground when your crush would push you down in the sandbox and people said that was only because they liked us? True or false? How could anyone actually know whether that was true? They can't. Maybe it's what parents say to children to give them something to smile about or maybe it's just too heartbreaking to tell them the truth. Either way, infatuation with somebody can be destructive or beautiful.

Tonight I watched "Country Strong." I have mixed feelings about this movie. It really follows two love stories, and it mixes one and it's just all messed up. But I only liked watching the parts with the true love in it - Leighton Meester and Garrett Hedlund were absolutely amazing! (And a sidenote: AMAZING SOUNDTRACK). At a tender moment in the story, Gwyneth Paltrow's character is giving Leighton's character advice and says this about love...

"Don't be afraid to fall in love. It's the only thing that matters in life." - Country Strong

No matter what is happening in life, good or bad, is it worth it without love? No. And I agree with this 100%. Whether that love is for family, friends, significant others or pets, letting someone into your heart is a powerful thing. Anything can become possible.

Love is confusing though. What is it really? I don't have an answer for that. I only know what I think is true. Love is often mistaken for infatuation, lust or comfort. I know that I have convinced myself that I am in love with Garrett Hedlund from this movie, but how can that be if we've never met? For me, falling in love with movie stars is so easily accomplished. Falling in love for real, however, presents itself to be a challenge.


I'll be the first to admit that love is scary, just like Gwyneth's character talks about. Love means making yourself vulnerable and I like to be in control of myself. I remember in middle school, a boy passed me a note that said, "Will you go out with me? Check yes or no." Of course I checked yes, he was cute! But I never talked to him face to face. Way too scary! I don't like to let myself get close to anyone.


Over time, luckily, things change. This past year marked love for me. I met some amazing friends and we quickly became best friends. I let them into my heart and was able to be myself with them. So please, open your heart. Opening my heart to gaining three new best friends was the best decision I have ever made! So are you going to let this superpower called love own you? Or are you going to own it?


Oh, and as for Garrett Hedlund, I know his songs were dedicated just to me :) (I wish!)