Precious Soul

I was talking to a friend recently about shields.

And all the ways we protect ourselves. About how some things—like scary people and scary weather and poisonous food—are dangerous and can hurt us. And other things—unresolved conflicts, the nasty habit we pretend we don’t have, or that closet asking to be sorted through—we avoid, because it’s just too big to tackle. And we’re scared.

I am an expert at blurring the lines. Of justifying avoidance. Of putting myself in harm’s way—shield-less.

At the end of the day, it comes down to self-love, self-compassion. What do you really need right now? What food nurtures your body? Which fellow-travelers speak to your heart? What little corner of your home or life wants to be examined, kindly?

There is no science to this life thing. We figure it out as we go along, and we learn—through trial and error—what best serves our precious soul.