There's nothing wrong with humilty or with taking pride in a job well done.

There's nothing wrong with shouting and dancing your joy or with smiling behind your hand.

There's no shame in asking for a hug.

There's no shame in revealing your happiness.

Everyone's got a chink in their armour.

Most folks want to hide it.

There's nothing wrong with wanting desperately to fly with the wind.

There's nothing wrong with protecting your roots when the wind carries further than you expected.

There's no shame in trusting.

There's no shame in wanting to take their hand.

Everyone's got a little spot in their heart that's empty because it's waiting to be filled.

Some folks want to hide it.

There's nothing wrong with you.

There's nothing wrong with them.

There's no shame is praying.

There's no shame is questioning.

Everyone's had that moment.

I hid mine, and forgot where I put it.

There's nothing wrong with allowing yourself to be afraid.

There's nothing wrong with wishing you had said that or not done that.

But is there shame in living a life shaped by fear, in fearful action or fearful inaction?

Is there shame in dragging a long reproach of regret behind you?

Everyone is skating a thin edge.

Is anyone truly an island? Is anyone really a tree?

There is a lot of healing to be had in music, a great deal more than I ever gave it credit for. I don't think much of the gratitude I am feeling, or much of the optimism or hope I feel, would be as strong or perhaps even possible without music. It's easy to take something like that for granted, because we become accustomed to opening our mouth and singing a beautiful song, or picking a melody out of our brain, or charming the air with music! music! music! yet...

"Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence."

"With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy." -- Desiderata

I try and remember this every morning.