““Are you fond of roses? It feels to me: as if all the roses in the world bloom for you and by means of you, —and that only through an act of royal condescension do you mantain the pretense that they aren’t really yours and allow the Spring to keep them.””

— Rainer Maria Rilke to Lou Andreas-Salomé from, Rilke and Andreas-Salomé: A Love Story in Letters

I’ve noticed something about people who make a difference in the world: They hold the unshakable conviction that individuals are extremely important, that every life matters. They get excited over one smile. They are willing to feed one stomach, educate one mind, and treat one wound. They aren’t determined to revolutionize the world all at once; they’re satisfied with small changes. Over time, though, the small changes add up. Sometimes they even transform cities and nations, and yes, the world.
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to the brave

where did you get permission to be yourself so boldly
because i want to obtain similar privileges
i desire to be unapologetically me
to unlearn the rule stating i must apologize for everything
at times even for breathing
i want to strut confidently with my head held high
be stationary against the current calling for conformity
but time and time again
i am sucked under, battered and left a wreck upon the seabed
teach me your waterproof ways which
allow you to nonchalantly stroll through hurricanes
and not stop for a moment to join in the agony of the sky
i want to own this skin, this hair, this body, this mass of atoms
not have to sell it to the lowest bidder
due to doubts that a higher cost would be entertained
instruct me in this magic you practise
i promise to be an apt learner
this is my hearts one true wish
oh, please teach me to be brave