As I sit in the performing arts center striking the keys of the pristine grand piano in the lobby, I look around at the little things that I had not noticed until a melody accompanied them. There is a leaky faucet is the small kitchen area a few feet away. The dripping and dropping of the water makes for a light percussion to the legato notes I am playing. I hear the movement of carts and chairs on the theatre as the stage crew works build the set for the coming play. This sound creates a harmony in the background song I am playing that adds tension and uncertainty. When the rustling of props halts, I hear the tapping of toes coming from the dancers downstairs, pirouetting to their own song which strangely falls into place with mine. I hear the tapping of a pen coming from my boss’s office and the sound of coffee makers brewing motivation. I can make out the sound of computer keys frantically typing. All of these sounds, though they be small, play their own role in life’s music.

I glance out the window at the cars speeding to get to work and appointments while my hands tranquilize the fast paced world. I can see students almost running into the school of law and education as they take a final sip of the coffee and scarf down the last bite of their granola bar in hopes of gathering enough energy that will hopefully get them through the day. I can feel myself playing a quicker rhythm as I can actually feel the stress that they are subtly projecting. The tune I am playing modulates to a new key as though attempting to uplift the intensive vibes that the world is giving off. As my song comes to an end, my eyes open to the fact that music is not only present in an instrument, but it is everywhere. It is in the sounds that one might not even notice. My song was simply background accompaniment to life and all of its little wonders and I could not express how much my love for music grew in that moment.

This is something that I have learned to do lately: to take a step back and really look at what what else is going on in this world outside of my personal bubble. As I sit playing the piano, I come to one conclusion about the one thing that this world seems to revolve around: love. Love is everywhere. Love is present in the sounds and melodies that my fingers compose on black and white keys. It is in the people in the cars speeding down the street to make it on time to work to provide for their families. It’s in the loud banging of equipment and stage props behind closed doors. Love is something that is often overlooked because people think that it is difficult to find. To counter this, I have recently discovered to let myself be happy. To be happy is important so that you are comfortable with trusting that your life will get to where it’s going. Once you do that, you have endless room for love to take place.

Let's talk about the world “love” for a second. What do you love? Who do you love? Think about it. These are the most important things in your life. I often find myself questioning the word "love" and how it is thrown around so thoughtlessly now. Whether that be good or bad, I don't know. "I LOVE that song!!" or "I am so in love with that sweater!" or "I loved that movie!" We are all guilty of it. Maybe "love" has different meanings and that is perfectly fine. The questions that come with the connotation of a single word sound like chromatic notes climbing a scale. Maybe the uncertainty is good because we are letting love in with everything and that is so important. However, is it used too much? Is the meaning gone? Maybe it depends on the person and the situation. Look around throughout your day and think about how often you hear people say "I LOVE that" and let me know what you find out.

The simplest way to come in contact with love is by stepping outside of your daily routine and trying something new. Maybe it’s a different coffee place on your way to work, or playing the piano in front of an actual audience. While looking into new things, I have found things that I love where I would never expect. I have come to see how it is so important to fall in love as much as possible. Whether it be with people, with places, with books, or with music, don't let fear stand in the way of falling in love with whoever or whatever it may be. Let things affect you. Let people affect you. You cannot grow as a human being if you don't allow yourself to learn. I am slowly figuring this out and though it doesn't always come easy when fear and anxiety get in the way, it is all worth it once you see that you can get through it and move forward.

Love is a concept that scares people, especially myself. It makes them uncomfortable, a feeling that humans do not look for. Being nervous and uncomfortable are feelings that we need to embrace, not run from. By embracing these feelings, we don’t have to let fear and worry control us. Be affected by the thought of something making you uncomfortable. Let it work its way through your mind so you can take it and conquer it. You may just find that you actually love what you thought you were afraid of. I use this logic as I prepare for an upcoming show. I dance with the feeling of fear and potential failure and spin it around into something wonderful and beautiful. The first day I began rehearsing for my first solo show, I fell in love. I found love with performing. This was the day I realized that love does truly conquer all.