Consider the Thistle.

Took a 30 minute break to do some of my own reading before heading to dinner with some faculty and then teaching night class. This page in Cheryl Strayed's  "Brave Enough" really spoke to me today.  I know the answers to these questions, but I'm not going to share them here. Take some time to think about the stories that got you to where you are today. The ups. The downs. The comeback stories. 

Our stories tell so much of us. 

We argue with stories, internally or out loud. We talk back. We praise. We denounce. Every story is the beginning of a conversation, with ourselves as well as with others....

I did not grow through  a crack.....I grew through concrete. I was thistle. Considered a weed, thistles grow streets and alleys. But, thistles have a deep tap root that can shoot through thick concrete and survive drought. And in spite of their prickly appearance, their royal and soft purple center makes the thistle a mysterious and gorgeous flower.

As I read this quote and other quotes in "Brave Enough".... I consider the thistle as well and how we are each stronger than we know, if we would only claim our inner strength and also be strong enough to accept help when we need help, to take our place in the community circle of our family, friends, or other support groups. To do so takes humility.

Consider your thistle today. I know where I came from, and where I am headed. Humility gets me there.