Staying Aloft

Brooklyn blossoms, April 2010

My friend Kristen over at Sticking to the Point recently asked her readers to "Tell me where you are today." Here's what I wrote. It sums up so much of how I've been feeling that I wanted to share it here with you, in case you're in a similar place.

Today I'm wondering how far patience and love can stretch, how many little pinpricks of misunderstanding a heart can weather and still stay aloft like a hopeful red balloon. Today I remind myself when to hold my tongue and when to let it loose. Today I learn the lesson that comes again and again lately: Bravery can be something that happens on the inside, in the daily moments that nobody else sees. Courage isn't always evident to the wider world, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. I have a friend who says that love makes us brave. I know she's right, but on days like today I need the reverse: the courage to love and to keep on loving when the canvas stretches thin and my heart bobs and sinks, but never quite drops all the way to earth. 

Comments

[jane]

these words made me nod, tear up, and see a bobbing red balloon covered in tape ... thankyou for letting me glimpse your courage - unseen courage is the most important kind and i honour yours

[kristen]

i've been thinking about you a lot my friend, since you left your beautiful, wistful and thought-provoking comment. xo

[Katie @ cakes, tea and dreams]

I love the image of the red balloon - and I think these blossoms match it perfectly. My word for this year is "brave" - and I'm learning what that means in big public ways and in small inner ways. Love to you.

[Leisa Hammett]

Beautiful. Beautiful words. Beautiful soul.

[mrs mediocrity]

I have been there, many times. And still, I am here, loving. You are right, it takes bravery and courage and a little luck and a whole lot of determination.