Live!

The meaning of this particular quote by Alison Willcocks is something that can be interpreted in numerous ways. Although the first section is the most well-known, the entirety of the quotes meaning is best amplified upon observing the full text:
"If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it's yours. If it doesn't, it never was. We do not possess anything in this world, least of all other people. We only imagine that we do. Our friends, our lovers, our spouses, even our children are not ours; they belong only to themselves. Possessive and controlling friendships and relationships can be as harmful as neglect."
No truer words have ever been spoken, or found by myself throughout my lifetime. I agree with them entirely and disagree in no regard. In all of the occurrences of my life, I can trace the outcome back to this particular quote, as odd as that may seem, it is in fact the truth. It was not until recently that I truly respected these words to the fullest degree possible.
We must learn to cherish those around us, do not force them to stay, they will truly end up loathing you when all is said and done, or at the very least lose all respect for you as a result.
I recently had something, or someone rather, return to me that I never thought I would see again, I had lost faith in the fact that they were an integral part of my life, and that they would return no matter what. In their return I realized just what I was missing for all those years, a part of me I had set free without even realizing it, yet in its return I am beginning to feel what I had all that time ago… Despite the fact that I did not show that particular person the appreciation they deserved.
It's funny, in a time of need, we find out which friends or lovers truly should be kept around, it is their ability to want to help you out no matter how terribly you treated them that proves to you that they are truly yours to have, and yours to appreciate. Even after setting them free, or pushing them away, or treating them badly, or even neglecting them; the loved ones that come back to you when you need a shoulder to cry on, an arms embrace, or a soothing word, no matter what the circumstance; Are the ones that you need to cherish the most. We must do this as they are an integral part of our lives, yet they are not something that we can take for granted or attempt to show ownership over, they are simply their for support, and as such must be told how much you appreciate having them in your life.
Never take anything for granted in life, you never know, today may be your last. Live life to the fullest, tell those you care about how you feel, appreciate what you have, and enjoy every minute of every day… Nothing in life is worth wasting sleep over while stressing, and even less is worth wasting time over in tears. Enjoy yourself, and simply LIVE!