I remember intense, illogical youthful emotions – even a lost sock could send me or a friend into a tizzy. A poor grade in college, an indifferent boyfriend, a disruption in nightly plans, a lost textbook – all major life crises with the power to detonate a mighty, peace-destroying, self-deflating missile. I was never one to cry, but I sat up many times with friends while they cried it all out, sometimes on my behalf.
The lesson we eventually learn is that the world is not going to humor anyone. Maybe on occasion, when extremely lucky, things will go the way we want. Most of the time, life circles around us, insensitive to our demands, indifferent to our plans. Thus, we face a choice: strap into the seat of an over-sized, oversensitive, emotional roller coaster or slip silently onto a kayak cushion and paddle to calmer waters
Peace. Calm. A dose of loyalty. A warm hand. A caring heart. A sunset. Simple truths. Wisdom. As the road narrows, these are the real gifts.
And of course, we are the only ones in charge of bringing about the peace, calm and wisdom. Thanks, Jane.