Refuge...

"The library had become her solace. Her refuge. Books did not question or judge. They made safe companions."

Inglath Cooper, Truth and Roses: A Love Story

We all need a place of refuge from life. I'm glad my children feel that way about their home and with friends and families homes. To find refuge to relax, to not have to feel like you have to be anything but your imperfect, perfect self is a time to gather strength to keep moving forward in each present moment.  When I'm not able to be with those people who provide solace, I find it in books, nature, food, art, quiet time, and animals.

Enough...

"Sometimes we don't need advice. We just need somebody to listen."

Lately I've been feeling that I just need someone to listen. Not judge me, or have conditions... for it just to be okay to be who I am in this present moment. And as much as I allow that myself, it's just nice to have someone do that for you... just because they care and love you enough.

Judge...

"There's a story behind every person. There's a reason why they're the way they are. Think about that before you judge someone."

pondering...

Are you more fascinated by what you can see or by what you cannot see?

I noticed the other day at the gingerbread library program that when the children came in to decorate, some of them needed to find the right one, the perfect looking one. Got me pondering on how much do I base my views and what I pick by only what my eyes can see. The old saying "don't judge a book by its cover" sounds easy but as a human a lot of times that is not my first instinct. And then there are times when you do need to base your decision on what you see. Like someone's behavior or something that looks dangerous. I guess it comes down to using your judgement in each situation and when we are fully present we will know which option is right at the time. Just good food for thought...