Tag: love

  • Some People Can’t Handle Love

    By Tracy Schruder

    Have you ever poured your heart out to someone, only to watch the relationship crumble before your eyes?

    As a member of Generation X, I was raised with values that seem almost foreign in today’s world. We were taught to be kind, helpful, and compassionate towards others, especially those with greater challenges. We were encouraged to lend a helping hand, to love our neighbors, and to look out for one another.

    But somewhere along the line, things changed. The world shifted, and values that were once second nature to us seem to have been lost. We’re now living in a world where brokenness is normalized, and genuine love and support are often met with skepticism. People are self-excluding, ghosting, and scoffing at boundaries. It’s as if we’ve forgotten how to receive and give love without conditions.

    When you pour your heart out to someone, and they’re unable to receive it, it can be an incredibly hurtful experience. It’s like speaking a foreign language. In a world where vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, it’s no wonder people are shutting down, toughening up, and pushing others away.

    But here’s the thing: hate doesn’t exist. It’s not a presence; it’s an absence of love. It’s a space where loneliness and confusion reside, a void that seems impossible to fill. But I believe that void can be filled with love.

    My generation may have been bruised by the world’s changes, but we still know how to love. We still lend a hand to those in need, still show compassion to the less fortunate, and still have a deep respect for our families. And I believe that’s what will ultimately heal this world.

    To those who can’t handle love, I haven’t given up on you. Together, we can raise the vibrations of this planet and fill that empty hole with the love we all deserve. Just look at the sun; it shines brightly, giving us light, warmth, and life. It radiates its loving energies through us all. There’s only love. I love you all.

  • Chicken Soup For The Bowl

    Homemade chicken soup

    By Tracy Schruder

    I’m a huge fan of chicken soup, but only if it’s homemade. Store-bought just can’t compare to the rich flavors and nutrients that come from a lovingly prepared pot of homemade goodness. My mom made the best homemade chicken soup I’ve ever tasted. I have tried, on several occasions, to emulate the flavour but a main ingredient is always missing. That ingredient is her. I believe we miss that most, when people pass away. No one can ever cook the same as mom did because they are not her. She, herself, was her own secret ingredient.

    A Hearty and Nourishing Tradition
    Mom’s soup was a staple in our household, always chock-full of fresh vegetables and leftover chicken boiled off the bone. Always boiled off the bone because that broth was essential to the soup. It was a meal in itself, and on cold winter days, it was the perfect comfort food to warm us up on our lunchtime trip home from school. As my grandfather used to say, it “warmed up your inners” like nothing else could.

    More Than Just a Meal
    But mom’s soup was more than just a meal; it had a way of opening hearts and drying away tears. On tough days, her soup came with hugs and gentle, tear-wiping gestures from her apron. It was a reminder that sometimes, all we need is a little comfort and love to get us through. She would serve it not only to us kids but her dad and brother would drop in for a bowl every once in a while. They would come over on their lunch break the odd day. She enjoyed it when this happened because she always got to catch up with them. Oh, and certainly, over a piping hot bowl of her soup, they would confide in her and receive her loving comfort and advice, as well.

    Love and Comfort
    As I grew older, I began to appreciate the love and care that went into every pot of mom’s homemade chicken soup. Each time I make a batch, I’m reminded of her and the comfort she brought to our family. I used to joke that Jack had the “soup for the soul,” but mom had the “better soup for the bowl.” Little did I know, Jack might have been right – chicken soup is indeed for the soul…

    A Tribute to Mom’s Love
    I started writing this blog post with the intention of sharing my many chicken soup recipes, but it morphed into something more. As I reflected on mom’s homemade chicken soup, I couldn’t help but share my feelings and the memories that came flooding back. It’s a testament to the power of food to evoke emotions, create connections, and transcend time. Mom’s homemade chicken soup, a gift of your love and comfort. As my soup brews in the pot, I breathe in the pleasant aroma and enjoy warm memories of my mom’s chicken soup for the bowl.

    Thank you for reading 😊🙏

  • Where Love is Concerned, Too Much Is not Even Enough

    By Tracy Schruder 

    As we chase our goal of human happiness, one concept stands tall above the rest: unconditional love. This profound  acceptance of others, without judgment or expectation, is the highest and most intentional goal for achieving true fulfillment. When we embody unconditional love, we create an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to be their authentic selves. In this essay, we will explore the transformative power of unconditional love and the importance of remaining present in our interactions with others.

    Unconditional love is not just a feeling, but a conscious choice. It requires us to release our ego’s need to judge, criticize, and control. When we love people unconditionally, we accept them for who they are, without trying to change or manipulate them. This radical acceptance creates a safe space for individuals to express themselves freely, without fear of rejection or condemnation. As a result, they feel seen, heard, and valued, which fosters a deep sense of connection and belonging.

    However, unconditional love is not a one-time achievement, but an ongoing process. It demands that we remain present in our conversations and situations while fully engaging with others. We must pay attention when listening to their needs with both our minds and our hearts. When we are present, we are able to respond with empathy, compassion, and gentle understanding. We are not distracted by our own thoughts, biases, or agendas, but rather focused on the person in front of us. This presence is the key to achieving success in giving genuine support, as it allows us to mould our response to the unique needs of the individual.

    In a world where judgment, criticism, and division are rampant, unconditional love is a revolutionary act. It challenges us to rethink our assumptions, let go of our need for control, and embrace the beauty of diversity. When we choose to love unconditionally, we create a ripple effect of kindness, compassion, and understanding that can transform our lives and our communities.

    In conclusion, where love is concerned, too much isn’t even enough. Is a strong statement that makes us take notice to our scarceness of knowledge on the subject of love. Unconditional love and nonjudgmental acceptance of one another, is the highest and most intentional goal for human happiness. By remaining present in our conversations and diverse situations, we can create a safe space for others to thrive. As we embody unconditional love, we become instruments of transformation, spreading love, kindness, and compassion to all those around us.

    Where love is concerned, too much is not even enough.