This I Believe

I believe in the grace of humanity. I believe that we live each day to the fullest, and that every day has its place– the light, the dark and the tender gray. I believe in the vulnerability of twilight and the hopefulness of dawn. There is a reason the sun comes up in a perfect circle, and a reason that the moon waxes and wanes. They teach us patience– that you cannot hurry a day– and they teach us trust– we are here for you. There will be warmth and moonlight regardless.

I believe we are here to hold each other. You all have reminded me of that. I believe in loving fearlessly. Give yourself up, over and over again. I believe the heart is stronger than the mind. I want to believe I can give this much and know that I will still be whole when you are gone. That distance is not a measure of our dedication. There will be music despite everything. 

I believe in cold winter mornings and the father that always goes out to wipe off the windshield first.

I believe we all love our mothers– that somewhere in the womb we give up that choice. That birth is terrifying– it gives a reason to believe in love at first sight. 

I believe every child should build forts. Blanket forts, tree forts, lego forts– that the process of imagining our world begins within. I believe in the power of play.

I believe in gratitude. I believe in saying I love you first. I believe in bagging your own groceries and in the little boys who help shovel the driveway next door without getting paid.

I believe in the power of listening. We heal when we feel heard.

I believe in running– wild and barefoot through the woods. In the fragility of dappled sunlight, in the resilience of pinecones, in the purity of alpine streams. I believe in in taking cues from blackberries. Plant yourself in a thicket and share your fruit with the bears.

I believe in taking risks. I believe in writing letters. I believe in making art. In coloring outside the lines. In playing charades with your relatives. In making your Christmas presents and leaving little traces of yourself in the imperfections.

I no longer believe that love exists between two people. You all have taught me that. I believe I have become a stronger person because of you. That I’ve learned to love more than I ever thought I could. I came here stripped bare– in a country I don’t know, with a group of people I’ve never met, speaking a language I don’t speak. I quickly realized that all I had to offer you was that which is most essentially mine– my love, my care and the promise that I was all in, regardless. What other choice did I have? Off the edge, into the unknown, heart involuntarily open– you took me in. I believe in the grace of humanity.