As a young adult, I became quite aware of a deep longing within my heart--something major was missing from my life. It was the proverbial soulmate. I started to search for that person everywhere; each new encounter, no matter how insignificant, was observed in
great detail. "Is this the one?" There was an underlying sense of expectation--each new day brought the possibility of finally encountering my other half.
The concept of two souls journeying toward each other, and finding wholeness, is an ancient one--Plato spoke of humanity (originally in three forms: male from the sun, female from the earth, and androgynous from the moon) being split into separate souls as punishment for their pride. Only when each half was reunited would they find true happiness.
I have been deeply despondent for the majority of my life for a variety of reasons,
among the top was the fact that I hadn't yet found "my person". But something happened in late 2001 that gave me hope.
I started to feel like I was very close to finding my soulmate. It wasn't a hopeful feeling, but rather a deep knowing. I couldn't put my finger on it; I was simply filled with assurance. That feeling lingered for some time--perhaps a few months. Then, as suddenly as it had appeared, it was gone. I don't how to describe my response to that lack of assurance--perhaps it was resignation. I know this much: I started to disregard the entire notion of there being only ONE right person for each of us.
And then I met J. Our friendship was instant, and it didn't take long for me to fall for her completely. I felt connected to her in the deepest possible way. For the first time in my life, I was in a relationship where nothing was missing--all the pieces fit together perfectly.
And then I knew: it was J. She and I had encountered each other in late 2001. We were "friends of friends". That peace, the knowledge that I was finally going to meet my missing half, came when J walked into my life. When she journeyed on a few months later, the feeling I had went away. It did not return until she made her way back to me 12 years later, late in the year, exactly the same month we had our initial meeting.
It's almost 13 years since that meeting. My heart is whole, my life complete. I have left my place of despondency. I am, as Plato predicted, truly happy at last.
