Love in Letters

John Steinbeck, “A Life in Letters” inspires Kelleher International founder Jill Kelleher

This week’s blog features a note from Kelleher International founder Jill Kelleher exploring the personal writing of John Steinbeck.

I subscribe to a newsletter called Brain Pickings where I recently read a lovely story about Nobel laureate John Steinbeck. I got to know Steinbeck well in college through reading many of his books; I still consider him one of my favorite writers.

The Brain Pickings newsletter quoted a letter Steinbeck wrote to his son Thom which I’d never read before. You can read it in full in Steinbeck: A Life in Letters (public library).

In a preceding letter to Steinbeck, Thom revealed to his father that he was deeply in love. There were several thoughts in Steinbeck’s letter to his son that resonated with me as the founder of a matchmaking firm. For over thirty years I’ve shared in clients’ struggles and triumphs in romantic love. Steinbeck certainly was versed in the importance of love in our lives.

“If you are in love — that’s a good thing — that’s about the best thing that can happen to anyone. Don’t let anyone make it small or light to you.” -John Steinbeck

Another key ingredient in finding true love is understanding there are different kinds of love we experience throughout our lives. Not all love lasts forever, is unconditional, or selfless. You will know the difference when you experience the love that serves your highest good.

There are several kinds of love. One is a selfish, mean, grasping, egotistical thing which uses love for self-importance. This is the ugly and crippling kind. The other is an outpouring of everything good in you — of kindness and consideration and respect — not only the social respect of manners but the greater respect which is recognition of another person as unique and valuable. The first kind can make you sick and small and weak but the second can release in you strength, and courage and goodness and even wisdom you didn’t know you had.” -John Steinbeck

One idea I repeatedly share with Kelleher matchmaking clients is the importance of celebrating and vocalizing love when you experience it. Never let your feelings go unspoken.

If you love someone — there is no possible harm in saying so.” -John Steinbeck

Finding the love of your life is an adventure. When you discover true love, cherish every moment of the experience and show gratitude for your partner and the love you share.

“Glory in it for one thing and be very glad and grateful for it.” -John Steinbeck

Romantic love is one of the greatest joys in life. As a matchmaker, I hope to inspire you to be worthy of the love in your life. Never take it for granted.

“The object of love is the best and most beautiful. Try to live up to it.” -John Steinbeck

Sometimes we love deeply only to realize our love isn’t returned. It’s so important to remember unrequited love doesn’t make you less. It may not have happened for you yet, but remain hopeful. Hope is a beautiful thing and shines through you and attracts true love.

“It sometimes happens that what you feel is not returned for one reason or another — but that does not make your feeling less valuable and good.” -John Steinbeck

I founded Kelleher International with the belief that everyone is worthy of a beautiful and lasting love. It’s important to be in the flow of your experience and not force or rush love.

“If it is right, it happens — The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.” -John Steinbeck

If you’d like to learn more about my matchmaking firm and how we can help you, I hope you’ll give us a call at +1 (415) 332-4111.

Wishing you luck in love,

Jill Kelleher