You Become…

‘It doesn’t happen all at once,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.” ― Margery Williams Bianco, The Velveteen Rabbit

“You become” is such a profound reminder to me, especially on the first of April which, if you know me, you know today is the day to exclaim – rabbit-rabbit-white-rabbit-white-rabbit! Did you say it yet? Well, then say it with me now! “Rabbit rabbit, white rabbit, white rabbit!” Surely you feel better now! (Big grin!)

I recently celebrated my birthday which I love. For me, each birthday is a grand reminder that I am still here, even after cancer and open heart surgery and all of the losses in between. It’s a joke among friends and family that I love my birthday. But I do! I always have and I don’t care that people know my age either. Because I’m grateful that I’ve made it to this age. I have nothing to hide. I am a survivor or thriver or whatever word is used these days. I am here…for another day…and that fits me just fine!

Perhaps it’s the acceptance of midlife that made this quote so real to me too, because I don’t think this is just for velveteen rabbits…it’s for us too. I find those who have endured much have such beautiful auras and are so deeply understanding of life that, to me, they are gorgeous. Not in the trendy sense of the world, but in the most intimate sharing of hearts.

Recently, I was blessed to receive a note from someone who told me I inspired her as she was going through her breast cancer journey. I hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary honestly. But to hear that somehow, in some way, I had helped her? Well, you know how that makes us feel…honored. blessed. grateful to be of service.

I am a work in progress as are we all – well, those of us who continue to grow, to learn, to deepen our understanding of ourselves, others and the world around us. We are all connected…we become one…perhaps that is how we age…we evolve by listening…by holding sacred space…by inviting charity, service and love into our lives and finding the mundane a beautiful mirror of sanctity.

May your April showers bring May flowers. May your month be filled with blessed moments that you cherish. May you always remember how loved you are. May you continue to shine your heartlights for all to see.

Shine On!

xo