The Story Spark was – Who Am I? The quote was from E.E. Cummings, “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” My writing choices were ‘Born with Instructions’ or ‘Self-Portrait’. I tried to combine them all
The Message
One communes with nature and then lets nature speak for them. I have no voice in this womb; however, I can feel the stirrings of love around me. I can see the world as it is through my mother’s eyes. I am not alone, I am one of many. Therefore, I can relate to those around me. The thoughts my mother shares, the conversations around her, the emotional impact of all that is there, just waiting to be tapped.
Love is number one. Without it, there is no compassion and empathy. That is important in one’s interactions. This includes friendship and caring for others.
Then there is compromise. Through that, there can be progress. Through that, one grows more knowledgeable.
Loyalty is on the list, too. However, one must be careful who one is loyal to. This involves trust and respect. It involves more than just hearing; it involves listening to what is said. Through this, one gains understanding. And one must be loyal to oneself. For that helps maintain one’s individuality.
There is also acceptance. Not just of oneself, but of others and their differences. Those different in looks and beliefs and all their diversities.
Next, there is one’s outlook on life. One must have optimism for the future, for without that, we fail to exist.
And lastly, there is life. One must live to exist. One must be part of the whole. One must interact with the world around us. Not just with the people, but with the animals, the earth, and all those living things that can and will sustain us.
This is what I learn within my enclosure, preparing for my birth. This is the message that I hope is shared with my mother, my father, my sisters and brother, and the world around us. This is what I hope: that when nature speaks to my family and every living thing around us, it can be learned.
I will have no words to share this when I begin my journey at birth. My memory, although limited, will continue to grow throughout my life. May all the teachings that I know now be taught and retaught to me again and again, so that the message I give to the world becomes permanent and we can live long and healthy lives.
