A note to self
published: 2010-06-01You are a child of the universe and you have a right to be here, just as the trees and the birds have a right to be here.
Or something like that.
Somehow, this sentence immediately sprung to mind the very second I wrote the words 'A note to self'. It's from Max Ehrmann's Desiderata, not literally but you get what I mean.
About thirteen years ago, my mother gave me a copy of Desiderata when I was going through a really hard time. Desiderata's words are soothing and consoling. They tell you things you know, but somehow always seem to forget. Here's what I remember:
Be humble.
Take kindly the counsel of years.
Be proud of your achievements, there will always be lesser or greater achievements.
Avoid loud people, they are vexations to the spirit.
Do not fear love, it is as perennial as the grass.
Be still.
However confusing life seems, no doubt there is a plan for you in it.
And I'll repeat this one: You have a right to be here.
My mother gave me these words. And essentially, she had already given me that right.