Quotables

It’s Friday…I feel quotes. And since I am channeling e.e. cummings these days (in my connection with the letter e), it’s only appropriate that I use his words.

“It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are.” E.E. Cummings

It does take courage doesn’t it? Courage to get up each day and face whatever the world throws your way…courage to be honest and true with oneself…courage to become the person you truly are. Sometimes we feel we don’t even know who we are – and in that case, I think it takes courage to find out. I want that courage.

“may I be I is the only prayer – not may I be great or good or beautiful or wise or strong.” E.E. Cummings

Again, I believe this speaks to the longing to be one’s authentic self. That our greatest prayer and dream should be to just be who we are – and in that truth lies beauty. The thought is simple and alluring.

Be yourself, feel good in your skin, know that who you are is good and strong and wise. Kinda makes you smile doesn’t it?

“Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln

God, that Abe character knew what he was talking about, didn’t he? I heard this quote just this week…and although it is simple, it is powerful. I think it’s something we all want – to be a good one – a good parent, a good spouse, a good friend, a good worker. I know I do. I would like to be great, but I’ll take good. I want to do my best (although I have fallen short many times) but I know in my belly that I really do want to be “a good one.” And it doesn’t matter whether you are a chicken plucker (I don’t know where that came from) or a Shakespearian scholar (maybe there’s a chicken plucker scholar out there?), all that matters is that we try to do our best – to strive to be a good one. That is success.

Thank you Mr. Lincoln.

(ps I read this picture is the last portrait taken of Lincoln, 4 days before his assassination. Made me stop and pause.)