Borrowed Wisdom #1

“Though sometimes it is necessary

to reteach a thing its loveliness,

to put a hand on its brow

of the flower

and retell it in words and in touch

it is lovely

until it flowers again from within”

-Saint Francis and the Sow

By Galway Kinnell

I’m sure we all know that friend who is lovely, who is respected by many and loved by all. Her heart is gold and her hands gentle, with acts of kindness. By any measure, she is doing well in life, at least, in all the ways that count. Most times, she is cheerful and sunny, bolstering the whole group up. Even in adversity, she smiles.

Yet what we do not see is the quiver of her lips and the doubts that linger behind bright eyes. This she shoes only in rare moments to those she has learnt to be vulnerable with. A trusted few.

For you see, though to all the world she appears carefree, brilliant and perfect, she is human. And as humans do, she questions.

There are days when she questions her thoughts, her actions, her choices, her life, herself. And on those days, nothing is good enough.

So dear friends, to all those lovely people in your life whom the world sometimes takes for granted- reach out. Put a hand to a head, heart, shoulder, and tell them in words and in touch- “You are lovely”. Tell them you love them.

For it is easy to forget one’s own worth in the mad crush that is daily living.

And sometimes, when you are that person whom the whole world has taken for granted (including yourself), pay yourself that kindness. Remind yourself that you are worthy of love.

May you find the strength to flower again from within, soon.

Sincerely yours,

G