from a caterpillar to a butterfly

  It was vacation time for the kids, and the house was a total mess, with toys and books strewn everywhere. The noise was at a different level, with children always watching television, listening to music, or buzzing like bees near my ears. Me time was a luxury I desperately craved and dreamed of. Today was my lucky day. I managed to finally steal a few minutes with my Kindle and dived into the world of mystery, romance and words. That blissful moment, however, was short-lived. My younger child interrupted me, proudly showing off her new cupcake creation with her favourite toy, the Magnetiles. As she hugged me, she accidentally pressed her hand on my pinky finger, and I winced with pain. Yesterday while peeling an apple and mediating a quarrel between the two siblings, I had inadvertently snapped a bit of my nail, and the pain was torturous. I explained to my three-year-old that my nail was hurting because it was broken, and her answer left me shocked and speechless.  I mumbl...

  I am looked down upon, As a terrible thing, Children embrace me, While the adults hate me. I am always unwelcome, A disease that people shun away from, Yet I am part of their lives, Like the lines on their palms. Often, I wonder, Why can’t they just let me be? Allow their heart to feel me deep, I have my own purpose, I am an emotion,  As much part of human nature, As any emotion can be. I lament when people struggle to overcome me, I don’t take well to fights against me, The only way to overcome me, Is to simply surrender to me and  I in turn will set you free. Often, I wonder, What is so bad about me? Your body is most relaxed, While with me, Your mind is most empty, In my presence.  Yet you look to disturb me? I am the calm, before the storm, I am the dark night, before a bright dawn. I am the empty canvas, that a painter turns into a masterpiece, I am the state of mind that precedes all turning points in life. Accept me, Trust me, Embrace me, Experience me, I am...

  Hey dear one, Congratulations on your graduation from a college student to a professional. At 24 years, it makes me proud to see how far you have reached and the obstacles you have overcome to get here. Seeing you blossom from a fragile child to the confident adult you are today excites me. I wonder about the possibilities and opportunities that await you as you take your first steps in the corporate world. Like a gardener waiting for the seed to sprout, I await to see you unleash your potential in the new soil filled with freedom and independence. I know you will rock this world, and I know you do too! As you embark on this journey of living, loving and experiencing life to the fullest, hold tight to yourself. Love the you that you are and that you are about to become. The world is going to have several views, suggestions and advice. Be your judge. Make your own mistakes, take the plunge, try different things, and learn and unlearn. Seize the day, seize the moment and live witho...