Tag: Support

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Imperfect Perceptions

“Because when some people are invisible, everyone suffers.” – Gloria Steinem

Several months ago, I was standing in my local fabric store, looking at miles and miles of fasteners, knowing I was far out of my creative depth. (To call my sewing skills “adequate” would be charitable, if I’m being honest.)

As I stood considering, a lady browsing nearby flagged down a store employee and requested help to find a specific item. The employee slowed just slightly and gestured vaguely toward where I stood, saying, “Oh, there’s probably something down there” before continuing past the woman.

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Be Brave and Have Courage

Imperfect Perceptions

“Being brave doesn’t mean you aren’t scared. Being brave means you are scared, really scared, badly scared, and you do the right thing anyway.” ― Neil Gaiman

Life can often seem dark and filled with turmoil, and the challenges we face can sometimes terrify us or make us feel ineffectual, weak or broken. These moments are a part of all our lives, but negative emotions can trick us into thinking that their very existence means that we lack courage or strength.

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For the Love of Warm Socks

Imperfect Perceptions

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia

Many years ago, in the days of my misspent youth, I had a romantic relationship with a person who was a spectacularly ill-suited match for me in almost every way.

We did not share the same views, aspirations or beliefs, and the behaviors and treatment that I accepted then would never have a prayer of getting off the ground with me today. (To be fair, it was a team effort- I certainly contributed to the unhealthy dynamic we created, and I’d be a liar to claim otherwise.) Regardless, the relationship was nearly textbook in its dysfunction, and my older self pities the girl who believed that such was the nature of love.

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Treasure Lost- And Found

Imperfect Perceptions

“Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter: whoever finds one has found a treasure. Faithful friends are beyond price; no amount can balance their worth.” (Sirach 6:14-15)

I’ve been blessed with many friendships in my life, and fortunate circumstances have allowed me the most interesting of connections, so wide and varied as the stars in the heavens, with people of different backgrounds and beliefs, in every corner of the world. 

Throughout the years, I’ve stayed in close contact with many of them- even those from whom I’m separated by oceans- sending and receiving stories and pictures that follow the progression of our lives.  Triumphs and tragedy flow like a current between our hearts and minds, as time brings change and washes through the detritus of life.

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