A Symbol of Love

I was on a spiritual high as I said goodbye to my dear friends in India. Feeling grateful and blessed for three magical weeks of teachings, temples, prayer, and devotion.

Hugging, promising to be back soon, I heard something hit the floor. I looked down and saw half of my Cartier Love bracelet on the ground. I was stunned to see the bracelet that I had worn for so many years, broken at my feet. My heart skipped a beat not because of the price tag, but because it was my talisman.

I was stunned. How could a bracelet held together by screws just fall from my wrist? Immediately, I panicked, thinking this was not a good sign. I bought the iconic bracelet, the symbol of love, while I was working at Cartier. I was considered fortunate because very few were allowed to buy due to the high demand.

I chuckled to myself, deliberating if I should pass. There was no special someone, partner or lover. I wanted a love story to go with my love bracelet. So, I thought of the fairy tales I read while I was growing up. Those magical tales were filled with romance and forever after. I imagined my consort gifting the bracelet as a symbol of his love, tenderly turning the golden screws, sealing our love for all of eternity.

By now, I was already widowed and divorced, convinced that love was not in my future. I was certain that I was burning off some bad karma from a past life. But the truth was, I still hoped that someone held the key to unlocking my heart. After all, isn’t that the way fairy tales end?

But I knew better and wasn’t buying into the story anymore. I had left behind the pages of the past and was moving forward. I decided to stop waiting for love to find me; instead, I began to connect with the love inside of me. Without hesitation, I bought the bracelet as a gift to myself.

Turning the screws, I made a promise to wear the bracelet as a reminder to love myself—having learned that you can’t give or receive love until you accept yourself and all of your beautiful, perfect imperfections.

As I picked the bracelet up from the floor, I understood why it fell from my wrist. I no longer needed a bracelet to remind myself that all the love I need is right inside of me.