Generally, by the time you are real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, Because once you are real you can't be ugly, Except to people who don't understand. Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit       

Good morning!  When I opened this morning's email and found this quote, I felt like I was being transported back in time. I read The Velveteen Rabbit as a little girl (the Easter bunny left it in my basket) and I loved the passage quoted above.

Donna also shared that a close friend cross-stitched this quote for her during a rough time. She wrote, "Each morning I wake up, read it and remember that no matter what I start to 'think' I may be... I am real because I am loved. I think this is one of the most beautiful and ageless tales ever written. I am blessed to have the family and friends I do. Every wrinkle for laughing and smiling and crying makes us beautiful and real because we are loved."

When we talk about self-discovery and personal peace, we are looking for that "real place." We long to be centered and have a centered (and sane!) anchor within. We long to make decisions from a peaceful and rational place, instead of beneath external pressure. We don't get to that place overnight. Like today's quote shares--it takes a long time, but it is worth it. All the little things cease to matter once we are "real."

Your Turn:
Take a moment today to center yourself and be still. Take 10 deep breaths, counting to 5 as you inhale and then again to 5 as you exhale. Remember that everything you face in life is bringing you nearer to that "real" place. Trust life.

Your Affirmation:
I trust life.

Challenge Life!

Brook Noel