the invitation (by oriah mountain dreamer)

some of you may have read this before somewhere else. nonetheless, i think it captures very well the idea of having deep, meaningful connections with people as a way of living life passionately and with integrity.. it's written in a pretty unpretentious, almost blunt, way but clearly reflects the writer's feelings of despair, frustration and hope.. i think something like that will be timeless and universal in its appeal..

The Invitation

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dreams
for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon...
I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow
if you have been opened by life's betrayals
or have become shriveled and closed
from fear of further pain.

(read the rest...)