Love.That one word can bring forth so many emotions: uneasiness, excitement, unadulterated giddiness, pants-wetting (we’ll keep that last one between us).
As Valentine’s Day approaches, it seems too obvious to write an article about love and its miraculous effects on those who are in it; but I am about to do just that.  
Disclaimer: If you’re about to skip this article because you think it’ll be all about my perfect relationship or better yet, relationships (I practice polygamy on the weekends), you could not be more incorrect.
The love I want to elaborate on does not have to be found between two people, but rather the love for things that make us smile and truly happy.
There is a scene at the end of the movie “Country Strong” (judging by the box office receipts you did not see it, but trust me) where the main character, played by Gwyneth Paltrow, tells a much younger singer “to fall in love…fall in love with as many things as possible”.
As I was sitting there with the three other people in the theater and enjoying my Starbursts, I had one of those “ah-ha” moments.
We all get so caught up in our search for romantic love we lose sight of the people, places, things or [insert noun here] for which we already have a passion.
There is nothing wrong with finding happiness in the things we already have.
Yes, I understand hobbies, religion or family members cannot curl up next to you at night and make you feel special (unless you’re from a bordering state beginning with an “A’), but together they can provide a sense of fulfillment we all desire.
If you become consumed with searching for your soulmate, you soon block out those things you already care for.
We all have that friend who only comes around when he or she is not dating someone; is he or she ever all that happy?
Focus on the things you enjoy doing and additional bliss will soon come after. Go hiking, shopping, spend time with friends, play fetch with the dog, meditate, do what you love and you’ll realize you don’t necessarily need the romantic company of another person to feel worthy in society.
Go out and enjoy life. Worry less about your age and what people will think if you’re not married by your mid-twenties (*gasp*), and locate what joyful elements already exist.
Take this time to become better at what you love and perfect it, because chances are you’ll become a better person in the process.
Don’t get me wrong when you do find someone you connect with, take the chance and see where things go. Never shy away from an opportunity to share your affection with someone who has mutual feelings. 
I think sometimes we are almost too scared to let love into our lives because it may conflict with our preconceived plans or beliefs, but if we reject, we’ll always regret it.
Love is not like our credit cards where we can spend until our limit. It is ever-flowing, and we can always use more.
What I am trying to say is when you’re lucky enough to find love, whether it is with a person or an action, don’t let it pass. Appreciate it. Love it. You’ll be so much happier if you do. Thanks, Gwyneth.
Patrick Young is a graduate student majoring in public policy and administration. He can be contacted at [email protected].