Here’s what I know to be true.
(All truths subject — but unlikely — to change.)
STORIES TRANSFORM US.
Whether it’s a romantic comedy, a Broadway musical, a deftly-written poem, a documentary film, a photo collage or a blog post — we express & discover ourselves, in stories. Stories accelerate growth & self-understanding in ways we can’t predict. We might be the only living creatures on the planet with the capacity to weave & share stories. Except maybe dolphins. Dolphins are pretty damn smart.
CREATIVITY IS UNIVERSAL.
Every single person on earth is creative, whether they believe it or not. Your creativity might burst forth in a virtuoso symphony, or a floral arrangement, or a batch of homemade cookies. The medium doesn’t matter. What matters is that you give yourself permission to create…whatever is yearning to come out.
PAIN IS A PATHWAY.
The lessons we learn when we’re grieving, failing or falling are priceless. They’re like concentrated doses of personal evolution. But only if we allow ourselves to show up, and lean into the pain. Scamper away, and you risk losing the lesson.
BEAUTY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE.
Beauty — however you choose to define it — is both elevational & foundational. It simultaneously lifts us up, and roots us down. The easiest way to infuse your life with beauty is to simply tune into your 6 senses and notice the world around you. The silken bubbles of your shower gel, the vivid ink of your favorite pen, the dimpled skin of an orange, the aroma of fresh peppermint. Paying attention doesn’t cost anything. And it makes your life so much richer.
ST~GERMAIN ELDERFLOWER LIQUOR = PERFECTION.
Dapper French gentlemen collect bushels of elderflower blossoms & transport them via bicycle to the St-Germain factory. I know. The end. The lesson to be learned inside this beauty of a bottle is — don’t settle for less than the best. Aim high. Pay attention to the details. They matter.
WE CRAVE UNDERSTANDING.
So much of the pain we experience stems from not feeling understood. Like we’re alone in our thoughts, desires & fears. We all need & deserve at least one person in our lives who truly GETS us, CHEERS for us, and APPLAUDS our oh-so-brave small but mighty steps. Find your people. And share your stories with them.
“
The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.
- JOSEPH CAMPBELL
And the challenge of a lifetime is loving who you are.
That’s what I know.
For sure.
For now.
Fin.