Lesson learned? Eh, mebbe, mebbe not.

I re-read this post just now because this quote came to mind and I knew for certain that I had written about it before, so I searched my blog. Coincidentally, it was almost exactly a year ago, and the number of connections between the circumstances surrounding what I wrote then and what I feel tonight is rather astounding. Does this mean that in a year, I’ve not grown or changed? I don’t think so. I think it means that I am still fundamentally the same person, but that I am coming to terms with things more readily, with less guilt and/or shame, and with more appreciation for what 32 gave me. This quote is still one that stands out in all of fiction, and one I find myself grateful for on a regular basis. I am surrounded by so much love, and I think I’m doing better at accepting, acknowledging, and reciprocating that love without feeling inadequate. That’s kind of a big deal. And so is this reminder:

“The great love is gone. There are still little loves — friend to friend, brother to sister, student to teacher. Will you deny yourself comfort at the hearthfire of a cottage because you may no longer sit by the fireplace of a palace? Will you deny yourself to those who reach out to you in hopes of warming themselves at your hearthfire?”

No, I will not. Thank you, little loves. You feel so big to me.