Thought You'd Enjoy this Quote

I've noticed that I've been writing lately about the theme of valuing myself from the inside out. Many years ago...I think while I was doing Weight Watchers for the first of who knows how many times...the leader read us this quote. I remember getting chills the first time I heard it. And I've had that same reaction every time since.

I also wanted to say to anyone reading my blog, that I'm committed (Yikes! Now it's real!) to posting at least one story each week on either Monday or Tuesday.

I always thought this quote was anonymous, but I've just learned this is copywrited material published by Natasha M. Beard entitled "After A While." It apparently was also copywrited in 1971 by Veronica A. Shoftstall with the same title. I hope you enjoy it...whatever the source.

After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul.
After a while you learn that love doesn't mean leaning and company doesn't mean security, and you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't promises.
And you begin to accept your defeats with your head held up high and your eyes wide open, with the grace of an adult, and not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans.
And after a while you learn that even sunshine can burn if you get to much... so plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure... that you really are strong, and you really do have worth... you never lose by loving, you always lose by holding back....