"Il n'y a pas de formule ou de méthode. On apprend à aimer en aimant."

Love isn’t something you can boil down to a simple equation or a set of instructions. It’s a messy, beautiful, and sometimes chaotic experience that we only really grasp by diving in and feeling it for ourselves.

Imagine trying to learn how to swim by just reading a book. Sure, you could memorize all the strokes and techniques, but until you’re in the water, feeling the resistance and the buoyancy, it’s all just theory. That’s how love works too. You can’t really understand it until you’re actually loving someone - with all the ups and downs that come with it.

Think back to when you first fell in love. There wasn’t a guidebook telling you exactly what to do or how to feel. You learned through the experience itself. Maybe you made mistakes, maybe you felt vulnerable, but you also discovered the joy and deep connection that comes with truly caring for another person. Each relationship teaches us something new about love, about ourselves, and about our capacity to give and receive affection.

A great example of this can be seen in the life of Nelson Mandela. Mandela’s journey was shaped by his love for his country and his people. Despite being imprisoned for 27 years, he never let his love turn into bitterness. When he was finally released, he didn't follow a set plan to unite a divided nation. Instead, he acted out of genuine love and compassion. He reached out to his former enemies, showing forgiveness and understanding. His actions weren’t based on a formula but on a deep, heartfelt desire to bring people together. Through his love, he learned and taught others how to heal and move forward.

So, how can we apply this wisdom in our own lives? Start by letting go of the need for a perfect plan. Love isn’t about getting everything right. It’s about showing up, being present, and giving of yourself genuinely. When you make a mistake - and you will - learn from it. Apologize, make amends, and keep moving forward. Love is a continuous process of learning and growing.

Imagine your friend Jane. She’s always been a bit of a perfectionist, trying to control every aspect of her life. When she started dating Mike, she read every relationship book she could find, trying to ensure she did everything “right.” But all that planning and stressing just made her anxious and distant. It wasn’t until she put down the books and decided to just enjoy her time with Mike, to be herself and learn as she went, that their relationship truly blossomed. She realized that love isn’t something you can master with your head alone - it’s something you have to live and feel with your heart.

In the end, love is about the journey, not the destination. It’s about embracing the unknowns, the imperfections, and the growth that comes from being vulnerable and open. So, next time you find yourself overthinking or searching for the “right” way to love, remember - you learn to love by loving. Dive in, let go, and let your heart lead the way.