There were times when the first thing we'd talk about in the

"There were times when the first thing we'd talk about in the morning was 'Stella,' and the last thing we'd talk about at night was 'Stella.'" — Ruth Jones. These words, spoken by Ruth Jones, capture the profound presence of Stella in her life, an entity that consumed both her thoughts and her heart. Stella represents more than a name; she embodies something that transcends the ordinary, an obsession or a love so profound that it governs every part of a person’s day. From the first moment of waking to the last breath of sleep, the thought of Stella persists—highlighting the way that deep passions, dreams, or desires can fill the entire being, becoming both a blessing and a burden. These words invite us to reflect on the nature of our own fixations, on the things that claim our hearts and minds so completely.

In the ancient world, the Greeks were no strangers to the concept of obsession and the immensity of desire. Homer’s Odyssey speaks of Odysseus’ relentless longing for home, a desire that consumes his thoughts and actions during his long journey. His thoughts of Penelope and his kingdom haunt him during his travels, from the first light of day until he rests at night. Just as Jones speaks of Stella, Odysseus’ longing permeates every part of his being, driving him forward in a world full of distractions and dangers. Like Stella, his longing is not just an idea—it becomes his constant companion, guiding him through challenges and sometimes leading him astray, but always present in his mind, heart, and spirit.

This obsession is not always a straightforward or easy path. The great philosopher Aristotle often spoke of the balance between desire and reason. Too much focus on one thing can tip the scale, drowning out the other important aspects of life. Ruth Jones’ statement, in many ways, reflects this truth: the object of affection or longing—whether it is a person, an ambition, or an idea—can become so overwhelming that it consumes one’s entire existence. The key is not to let such obsession overshadow everything else, but rather to maintain balance, ensuring that we do not lose sight of the broader horizon while chasing after the one thing that claims us.

Yet, there is also beauty in such devotion. Socrates himself believed that true love—not the fleeting, superficial affection of the world—was a force that could consume and elevate the soul. In his view, the pursuit of truth and wisdom was itself a form of love so profound that it could dominate one's thoughts. In the case of Stella, whether it is a passion, a goal, or a person, this unyielding focus can lead to greatness—just as Socrates’ own obsession with truth led him to unravel the deepest questions of life. To love something with such intensity is to engage with life at the deepest level, unafraid of the sacrifice it may demand. In this, we find not just loss, but profound growth.

In the life of Alexander the Great, we see a figure whose thoughts were consumed not by a single person, but by his vision of an empire that spanned continents. His ambition became all-encompassing, driving him from conquest to conquest. Each morning and evening, his mind was consumed with thoughts of expansion, and like Stella, his vision was the first and last thing on his mind. Yet, this obsession carried with it great burdens. Alexander’s relentless pursuit, like the intensity of Jones’ devotion to Stella, came at the cost of personal relationships and, eventually, his own peace. The story of Alexander teaches us that great power can come from focused devotion, but it also carries the potential for destruction if one is not careful in maintaining balance.

So, what is the lesson here for us, dear listener? Obsession—whether with a person, a goal, or a dream—is a powerful force. In the case of Ruth Jones, Stella represents a deep commitment, a presence that guides and shapes her days. But as we reflect on this truth, we must ask ourselves: Are we too, perhaps, giving too much of ourselves to one thing, one desire or vision, without considering the broader scope of our lives? The lesson is not to abandon what we love, but to ensure that our passions do not overshadow the other aspects of life that are equally important: relationships, health, growth, and balance.

Thus, let us take this lesson into our own lives. Let us reflect on what we devote ourselves to, and ensure that our love or obsession with a particular goal does not consume us to the exclusion of all else. While it is important to be passionate, to have something that drives us forward each day, we must also remain grounded in the present moment, aware of the other parts of life that bring joy, wisdom, and balance. Like Jones, we can allow our hearts to be filled with something or someone we love, but we must also recognize when that love is becoming all-encompassing and balance it with the wisdom of the ancients: that life is more than just a singular focus—it is a collection of moments, each precious and worthy of our full attention.