The Full Life

The full life is filled with vulnerability, not defense.  You face whatever feeling there is. ~ Virginia Satir, Psychotherapist

I've Learned That I Still Have A Lot to Learn

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." ~ Maya Angelou, Author/Poet

Life's Ordeals

Beauty usually requires some imperfection, transgression, or lacuna. The whole of your being, the good and the bad, is the stuff out of which your beauty makes an appearance.  ~ Thomas Moore, The Dark Night of the Soul: A Guide to Finding Your Way Through Life's Ordeals

Don't Waste Your Time Hating Failure

"Though fairy tales end after ten pages, our lives do not. We are multi-volume sets. In our lives, even though one episode amounts to a crash and burn, there is always another episode awaiting us and then another. There are always more opportunities to get it right, to fashion our lives in the ways we deserve to have them. Don't waste your time hating a failure. Failure is a greater teacher than success." 
— Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Author/Psychotherapist

Every Human Being Has Limits

"Our daily lives are proof of our inherent strength.  We women move through uncharted occupational territory, have and care for children, nurture others emotionally and physically, and explore our psychological and spiritual dimensions.  Although we are usually strong for others, we often feel weak and victimized while attempting to set realistic limits that respect us as individuals.  However, every human being has limits and, if we do not honor ours, we can become overextended, resentful, and even ill.  So sometimes the most courageous thing we can do is be aware that we can't do it all for everyone." ~ The Woman's Book of Courage: Meditations for Empowerment and Peace of Mind, by Sue Patton Thoele

Beyond Nancy Drew

Resources regarding the role of girls/women in the home, society, culture. For parents who want to offer their daughters resources to be themselves.

See the article here: A Guide to Girls' Literature