I don’t know how old my soul is.
I don’t know if this is my first Earth
or if I’ve been to many more, like it before.

All I know, is that while I’m in the present,
I must give it all I’ve got.
Whatever I do, I’ve got to be all in,
until I drop or I’m undone.

So I’ll love with abandon.
I’ll dream without fear—
for every breath taken will draw me closer.
And when my time comes to leave this world,
I’ll carry your love with me, forevermore.

Spanish Translation

No sé cuántos años tiene mi alma.
No sé si este es mi primer mundo
o si he explorado otros similares antes.

Todo lo que sé, es que mientras estoy en el presente,
debo darle todo lo que tengo.
Cualquiera que sea lo que haga,
debo estar completamente comprometido,
hasta que caiga o me deshaga.

Así que amaré sin detenerme.
Soñaré sin miedo—
porque cada aliento que tomo me acercará más.
Y cuando llegue la hora de partir de esta Tierra,
llevaré tu amor conmigo, para siempre.

Traducido Por: ElRoyPoet © 2024

What’s Forever For?

Op-ed: The Humbling Journey to Understanding Our Place in the Universe

As we journey through life, many of us harbor a fundamental belief in our own significance—an innate perception that we are, in some way, the center of the universe. This perspective often manifests during our formative years, characterized by a sense of self-importance where those around us appear as supporting characters in our personal story. While comforting, this selfish viewpoint faces a rude awakening as we mature and begin to grasp a more profound reality: we are not the main character in everyone else’s narrative. This realization can be disheartening, yet it is an essential lesson that enriches our understanding of ourselves and our relationships.

The transition from childhood to adulthood is marked by a series of insights that challenge the comforting belief in our centrality. As young adults, we may have enjoyed the unwavering support and adoration of our parents, who often view us as their world. However, as we step into broader social circles and venture out on our own, the harsh truth begins to surface—we are just another character among many in the ever-expanding tapestry of life. This humbling realization forces us to confront the uncomfortable notion that our craving for attention, affirmation, and validation from others may be misguided. Outside of committed relationships that foster mutual care, the fact remains that our personal narratives do not dominate the lives of those around us.

Understanding that we occupy a more modest place in the grand scheme of existence can be a bitter pill to swallow. Nevertheless, this acknowledgment bears immense potential for personal growth and deeper human connections. When we finally accept that we are not the focal point of everyone else’s existence, we unlock the door to more meaningful relationships. We cultivate a greater appreciation for the unique roles played by others in our lives, and recognize our own contributions to their stories. This perspective shift enables us to approach relationships with newfound empathy and humility, which are critical for building lasting connections.

In the process of relinquishing our desire to be the protagonist in someone else’s narrative, we also learn to embrace our own role as a supportive presence in the lives of others. We become aware that each individual we encounter is navigating their own set of dreams, struggles, and aspirations, and we can choose to be the kind of person who enriches their journey. This transition from viewing ourselves as mere characters in others’ stories to active participants in a shared experience fosters a sense of community.

Furthermore, accepting that we are not the main character lends itself to a liberating understanding of our place in the world. We realize that life is not a solitary endeavor, but rather a collective experience where collaboration and support can flourish. This realization has the power to transform an individual’s approach to both relationships and self-identity. Instead of seeking validation primarily through the lens of our importance to others, we begin to appreciate the inherent value of every person we encounter, leading to a richer understanding of humanity.

In conclusion, though the journey towards acknowledging that we are not the main character in everyone else’s story can be a frustrating one, it ultimately leads to greater wisdom and deeper connections. It teaches us essential lessons about humility, empathy, and the significance of nurturing relationships. In a world where each of us plays a vital role within a vast network of human experiences, it is this understanding that truly matters. By recognizing the value inherent in every individual’s story, we cultivate a more compassionate and meaningful existence for ourselves and those around us.

“Fearlessness is what love seeks,” Hannah Arendt wrote in her magnificent early work on love and how to live with fear. “Such fearlessness exists only in the complete calm that can no longer be shaken by events expected of the future […] Hence the only valid tense is the present, the Now.”
This notion of presence as the antidote to fear and the crucible of love is as old as the human heart, as old as the consciousness that first felt the blade of anticipatory loss pressed against the exposed underbelly of the longing for connection. Excerpt from The Four Buddhist Mantras for Turning Fear into Love

“To love without knowing how to love, wounds the person we love. To know how to love someone, we have to understand them. To understand, we need to listen […] Understanding someone’s suffering is the best gift you can give another person. Understanding is love’s other name. If you don’t understand, you can’t love!” Excerpts from “To love without knowing how to love wounds the person we love.”

“Who is good, if he knows not who he is? And who knows what he is, if he forgets that things which have been made are perishable, and that it is not possible for one human being to be with another always?” Excerpt from Epictetus on Love and Loss: The Stoic Strategy for Surviving Heartbreak

“Sensuality often hastens the ‘Growth of Love’ so much that the roots remain weak and are easily torn up.” By: Friedrich Nietzsche

“In every encounter, we either give life or we drain it; there is no neutral exchange.” By: Brennan Manning

“Beware of those who weep with realization, for they have realized nothing.” By: Carlos Casteñeda

“When a man cannot introspectively confront his negative thoughts and emotions, he will always be conquered by them, communicating without composure and hurting all those whom he loves.” Quote paraphrased from “Battle Cry” By: Jason Wilson

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Interpretation of the Poem

The poem in question delves into profound themes of existence, love, and the enduring nature of the soul. Through reflective musings on the speaker’s journey, the poem elegantly intertwines existential inquiry with the celebration of life’s transient beauty. In this interpretation, we will explore the key themes, imagery, and emotional resonance that compose this poignant piece.

The Nature of Existence

The opening lines set a contemplative tone, where the speaker grapples with the age of their soul and the mystery of past lives. The notion of not knowing whether this is their “first Earth” or if they have “been to many more, like it before” reflects a universal human inquiry into the purpose and continuity of existence. This uncertainty surrounding the soul’s age evokes a sense of humility and connection to the larger cosmos. The speaker acknowledges the limits of their understanding, illustrating a willingness to embrace the unknown, which is a fundamental aspect of the human experience.

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The Commitment to Life

The poem shifts from existential musings to a declaration of commitment to living fully. The phrase “I must give it all I’ve got” reveals a resolute attitude towards life, emphasizing the importance of being “all in.” This commitment is indicative of a philosophy that values deep engagement with life’s experiences, underscoring the idea that fulfillment is found in wholehearted participation. The determination to embrace life until “I drop or I’m undone” conveys a sense of urgency and passion, suggesting that the speaker recognizes the fleeting nature of existence and seeks to make the most of their time on Earth.

Love and Duty

As the poem progresses, the speaker turns to the theme of love, stating, “So I’ll love with abandon.” This line signifies a deliberate choice to love freely and without reservation, highlighting the transformative power of love. The juxtaposition of loving with abandon and dreaming without fear encapsulates the essence of living boldly. It suggests that love, in its purest form, propels us to dream and aspire, enabling a connection that transcends fear and hesitance. This celebration of love is not merely romantic but speaks to the broader human experience of connection, be it with family, friends, or the world at large.

The Concept of Legacy

The concluding lines of the poem evoke a poignant sense of legacy and continuity. The speaker states, “when my time comes and I leave this world, I’ll carry your love with me, forevermore.” This assertion affirms the idea that love and connections forged in life endure beyond physical existence. The promise to carry loved ones “with me, forevermore” signifies an emotional and spiritual permanence, suggesting that true connections are never lost even in the face of mortality. This sentiment invites readers to reflect on their own relationships and the lasting impact they have on one another.

Summary

This poem encapsulates the essence of the human experience, exploring the complex interplay between existence, love, and legacy. Through its introspective tone and evocative imagery, the speaker invites us to contemplate our own journeys, encouraging us to embrace life with enthusiasm and to love without fear. Ultimately, the poem serves as a reminder that while our time in this world may be finite, the connections we foster can resonate far beyond our physical presence, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those we cherish.

Editor’s Note: Back in 2021, I wrote a Poem about a similar theme: Cosmic Lover Please share these posts with all the single people you know. Thank you for visiting my blog.