embrace

Dear You,

Today is a challenge to embrace the day.

To embrace the mess on the kitchen counter and see it as a symbol of life being lived in all its messy, human glory.

To embrace those closest to you, whose laugh and favorite songs you've known by heart for as long as you can remember.

Embrace the truth that you are so loved today, sitting there in the pink pajama pants you've worn every night this week, sleep still crumbly in your eyes, to-do list already full with things you've been putting off all week.

Embrace your limitations. They are not a hindrance, but rather a gift. You can't write poetry? Fine, pour your heart into journal entries. You'll never be as good a decorator as that other girl? Good. Get over it and focus on your baking ability. Accept what your gifts are and are not.

Embrace your flaws, that blemish on your chin that never seems to go away, your habit of sharing too much with strangers, the fact that you will probably never enjoy cooking. Don't take them so seriously, at least not today. Laugh at them, make fun of them. That's what they're there for, anyway.

Embrace your home. Cozy up in your favorite chair, light a cinnamony fall candle, read that magazine that's been on your coffee table for weeks now.

Embrace the chores and errands and routine. Give an extra smile to the cashier, twirl around a little when no one is looking as you scoot between store aisles.

 Embrace whatever song the day is humming. Maybe it's a slow song, a piercing piano solo that hangs between grey clouds and endless cups of chamomile. Maybe today is more of a Motown song or a saucy Latin number...in that case, I suggest you dance along with it. Or at least snap your fingers.


Love,

H