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How to be more gentle with yourself

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”Relax. My darling, unwind. Be patient and stay alert. You’re coming home. To yourself.”

No one in this world is pure and perfect, not even Nature. If you avoid people for their shortcomings, you will most certainly be alone in this world. And if you’re constantly doubting yourself, and never take the time to actually embrace your accomplishments, you’re most certainly chasing a perfection that doesn’t even exist. Therefore, try to judge less, and love more. Surround yourself with people who understand. People who lift you up. We rise by lifting others.

With this being said, below you’ll find some tips & tricks on how to recharge your soul. Your entire being. How to feel all sparkly, and good about yourself again, when you feel unmotivated and ready to crawl back to bed.

Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, even you.

”Temporarily closed for spiritual maintenance.”

I appreciate the calmness. I appreciate my books. I love spending time alone, getting to know myself on a deeper level. I love to soak up the present moment, listen to my heartbeat, the sound of the waves, the whispers in the wind. I love to write. Recharging, and allowing myself to be me, with all my flaws and imperfections. Checking-in on what I’m working towards, and what I’m working on in my mind right now. Slowing down, taking it all in. Being aware, and listening within.

Write down your thoughts, your reflections and those things you wish to accomplish. Put them on a piece of paper, and slowly witness how they transform into reality.

”yesterday. NOW. tomorrow.”

Just cause you’re breathing, doesn’t mean you’re alive.

Be here. Now.

”Be a better you, for you.”

Work on yourself, every day. Strive to always do your best; and remember your best today might not be your best tomorrow. Life can be a real battlefield at times; things will happen that you didn’t prepare for, nonetheless, try to stay open-minded and positive in order for creative solutions to arise.

Do it for you, not for anyone else. You do your thing. What do you fancy? What makes you happy? Do that, and do it for you.

”Banish judgment.”

Don’t compare yourself to others, cause how can you? You’re not them, and they are not you. No one is either more or less than you, and you’re not more or less than anyone else. Isn’t that what makes this life so compelling? That we’re a bunch of humans, although somehow so alike, we have our different traits, up-bringings and weird quirks. We have our different struggles, things to heal and to let go of. If we only knew how much there’s to learn from one another, so much wisdom and clarity to gain from each other. Every human you’ve met thus far know that you’ve met them for a reason. Although you’ve let people hurt you in the past, know that it was something you had to go through, in order to find yourself, in order to find your inner strength.

Self-love hasn’t always been a priority in my life, and therefore, I’ve had some hard lessons to learn in order to finally see my own worth. It’s not narcissistic to love oneself, to take care of oneself. It’s necessary in order to grow and evolve as a human being. And so, stop judging yourself for your wrong-doings, past mistakes and things not working out the way you hoped.

If your wish is to help and inspire other humans, then start by being true to yourself, and not being afraid to show your most authentic self. We help others, by first helping ourselves.

”Stillness speaks.”

Light a candle and just sit for a while. Let the stillness speak. Be aware of the silence, of what’s happening within you. Relax, and let go of your worries; yesterday’s sorrows and tomorrow’s to-do’s. Count your breath. Count your blessings. Learn to appreciate the moments when you’re doing absolutely nothing. If you listen carefully you’ll hear whispers from deep within. Don’t ignore them. Pay attention, and let them sink in.

”It’s okay to not be okay all the time.”

Every now and then you have to unplug, turn the airplane mode on, have ice cream and allow those negative feelings to gently (or not so gently…) flow through you. Don’t resist them, however, don’t get too caught up in them. Let them pass by like clouds on a sunny day. Feel whatever you need to feel, and then let it all go. It’s okay to not be okay all the time. Feelings are temporarily, and they are actually here trying to tell you something. Maybe you don’t need to be productive 24/7? Maybe you need to listen to your body more often? Maybe you don’t need to post on social media everything you’re up to? Maybe you need to allow yourself to just be?

”Stay alert, and listen to your body.
Rest when tired. Awaken with a new heart,
with a new passion burning from within.”

❤

Linda

Small daily habits to improve your life

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”Ask yourself; Does this support my innermost being?”

While being perfect is rather boring, we should instead strive to be a bit more willing to be the best version of ourselves. A version that will change from day to day, from hour to hour even. Some days we learn, some days we win. However, we don’t stop when the mountain gets too high or the sea too rough. Rather, we adjust. We may scream a little (or a lot), we may laugh at our foolishness. But we continue, we adapt. And that’s how we evolve.

”Fragile you are, little seed. Planted in the depths of thick, dark, nourishing soil. Resilient you are, blooming flower. Early spring.”

I strongly believe it’s the small daily habits that encompass the greatest value on our overall wellbeing. Like waking up early dawn, knowing it’s time to make yourself a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The smell and sound of coffee beans grinding. The taste of creamy oat milk, nicely poured on top of a hot, steamy cup of goodness. The day can begin. But first, a moment to enjoy a silence only the tranquil, early hour can provide.

Needless to say, there’s an endless list of habits which to incorporate in order to produce a bit more substance to your day. Ask yourself; What can I do to make my day more meaningful? It can be anything, as long as it invigorates you. Something modest, yet something which holds a great deal of significance, and that you wish to bring about, every day.

Below you’ll find some small daily habits of mine that I’ve become utterly attached to, in that sense that they’ve come to play a crucial part of my day. My morning coffee routine being one of them.

Learning Italian 15 minutes a day

I simply adore the Italian language. La lingua italiana é sempre bella. I love to listen to the pronunciation, I love learning new words, and I love the way it challenges my brain. I spoke Italian rather well 18 years ago, however, I’ve forgotten plenty since I haven’t been practising. To set aside 15 minutes every day for a language is achievable almost for anyone. And some may say that 15 minutes a day isn’t enough in order to learn – still, during these minutes I’m fully engaged in the language, and 15 minutes a day is 105 minutes a week. A little bit every day is better then everything in one day, at least in my opinion. It has become a highlight of the day; 15 minutes of me travelling to Italy, daily.

Journaling

Ever since I started with this daily practice I’ve felt less anxious and more at peace. You see, my mind is constantly chatting – always seems to be a party up there. However, through journaling I somehow separate and remove all the clutter from the important information, the things that make sense, make me proceed. Usually I start my day by writing my thoughts down in a notebook (yes I prefer it to be handwritten). 10-15 minutes of free writing, and the mind feels lighter – It’s like space has been created for new, more creative thoughts to enter. Highly recommend.

Reading a chapter in a book

I usually read two to three books at a time. For me, reading equals meditation. I’ve also started to read books I normally wouldn’t read – I strongly believe in the importance of gaining new insight, and learning new things. And the more I read, the less time I find myself scrolling through social media. I prefer reading a chapter in the afternoon, or before going to bed. A book can take you places you’ve always been afraid to go.

Washing my face

I’ve never been particularly keen on washing my face each morning and each night. Still, it’s something I’ve always done, but without any greater enthusiasm. But ever since I got myself a rose quartz face roller I’ve actually even started to look forward to this insignificant morning and night time routine. By keeping the face roller in the fridge over night it stays cool, and I must say it feels rather heavenly for my tired and puffy morning face.

As you may have noticed, these small daily habits don’t have to be any grand endeavours that will save the humanity from evil. However, in the face of their triviality they might prevent you from falling into a rut. Since you’re the one choosing which habits to incorporate, you will eventually notice that the more rejuvenating habits you choose the better you will feel. And the better you feel, the more positivity you will shine onto the people around you.

It all starts with you ❤

In art I find peace

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”Home is where the heart is – within.”

.. and that I believe is the most beautiful thing about our hearts: that there’s enough space for everyone.



in a world where everything
is chaotic
be the one
breathing calm
into it all




slow living
the new living –

some things,
not meant
to be rushed.

You are more powerful than you think

it’s when the safety around us
has been taken away from us
that it’s time to rely
on the safety within




listen to the universe
while it sings to you
don’t wait until it screams
cause it will

You were beautiful from day one

How to give yourself a mental makeover

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”Be pure, bright, white, light”

You can take your life in a new direction at any time.

Every now and then it’s good to change things up, to keep things (thoughts) fresh, in order to stay motivated and inspired. It’s easy to become under-stimulated if you keep on doing the same things over and over again. In a sense it’s like driving on autopilot, where you just keep on moving forward, and still, you haven’t got the slightest idea what you’re doing, cause you’re not the one in control.

Then it’s about time.

Time to open up for fresh, new perspectives to enter. 

If you’re looking for a mini life-makeover, then, first things first, you need to start from within. In other words, start with your mental state, since most often it’s the root to all problems. If you don’t change what’s going on inside your mind – with your thoughts, and the way you think about certain things – then it’s going to be very hard to find a new sense of happiness, contentment and inspiration.

”You should always try to seek that fluidity, that flowing movement, in order not to become stagnant.”

As humans we’re constantly evolving, constantly growing and learning. To work on yourself, and who you’re becoming, is an ongoing process. You should always try to seek that fluidity, that flowing movement, in order not to become stagnant. Sometimes we only require a mini makeover, while there might be occasions when we need to start completely over. Whatever it might be, it’s important that you make clear why you want, or need, this life change. It can be anything from changing your diet and health & fitness routine, moving country, finding a new job to taking that giant, bold leap to start a new project. However, always figure out the why first; the reasons behind why you’re doing this makeover. Search for that internal motivation, your inner spark. You might think that  ”Oh no, I don’t have an inner spark. I lost it years ago, and I haven’t seen it since.”

But guess what, you do have it! We all have it – some of us just have to dig a little deeper in order to find it.

With that said, while you figure your life out, and all that, I’ve written a list of 5 life perspectives to live by that hopefully can assist you on your journey.

Five life perspectives to live by;

Look for it on the inside

Don’t look for it in another person, in your job or your expensive toys. Happiness is found within. You might say it’s such a cliché, but it’s simple facts. While all these things are wonderful, they aren’t the root to our happiness.

And for once, can we please stop comparing ourselves to one another? We are unique individuals, (however, we are all one and the same) with different traits, personalities, life experiences and up-bringings. Instead we should be inspired and motivated by one another, and not solely compare our lives with the lives of others. Look for all the wonderful things that you have, and no, you don’t have to look far. Look within. Showing gratitude is the simplest step towards a happier life. If you want more happiness in your life; be happy. If you want more love; show love, show kindness. If you want more success; act as if, work hard and take action.

Know that you’re an amazing human, and the world wouldn’t be the same place without you. Your contribution is unique ❤

Be free (and wild) as a child

In The Four Agreements Don Miguel Ruiz writes; ”The resurrection is to be like a child – to be wild and free, but with a difference. The difference is that we have freedom with wisdom instead of innocence.”  The goal is to become free, and to be ourselves again. Not to feel the pressure to act and be a certain way just because society (or our family) tells us to. Don’t hide your true self, don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. To be wild and free is not the same as being immature and not taking responsibility for your actions; to be wild and free is to have the courage to be yourself, to be brave and courageous to speak up and to be responsible for the decisions you make. To be wild and free is to follow your dreams, and to be bold enough to believe that anything is possible if one has enough nerve.

Take control over your emotions

Emotions can be tricky, and at times it can be burdensome to not let them take over your entire being. You should never suppress your emotions, however, you shouldn’t let the emotions gain power over you. Emotions are something you’re experiencing, not something you are. Try to be the witness, the observer behind the emotion, and look at it with acceptance. This can help you detach from the emotion, and see it for what it is – feelings passing through your body. Journal, paint, go for a walk in nature, dance to your favorite song, sit in silence. Do whatever you feel the need to do.

You see, you’re the one deciding if you want to live in peace or with hatred, with excitement or fear, happiness or sadness. The power is all yours. Get rid of the victim mindset – know that you’re responsible of your own happiness, and therefore you can’t expect another person to bombard you with love and happiness 24/7. You have to cultivate it yourself. Other people can, by all means, bring you love and happiness, but what I’m trying to say is that you can’t rely on other people to make you happy. You make you happy.

Stay open-minded

Be open to new experiences. Sometimes life doesn’t happen the way you expected, but that doesn’t mean things aren’t working out for you. Stay open-minded to new beginnings, to new adventures, to meeting new people and learning about different cultures. The more we know about one another, the more we learn to respect one another. In the end, despite our differences, we are all human beings experiencing this thing called life. We are all trying to do our best (or at least we should..) I think it’s really important to listen to various people, their stories and different outlooks on life, and to learn to respect one another, even though we have opposing views. There’s much to learn from each another – listen not only to respond, but to understand.

Stay true to yourself

Stay true to your feelings, your dreams and your unique voice. Don’t be afraid that people will judge you; there will always be those who will. However, decide not to care. Be yourself, no matter what. Do your thing; the things that make you sparkle, the things that lit you up. If you are bold enough to be you, people too will be bold enough to be themselves. If you feel like you’re playing the supporting role in the movie of your life, if you’re neglecting your own happiness for the sake of other people, then it’s about time that you start playing the leading role. It’s your life, it’s your creation.

You decide who you’re going to be. It’s all up to you.

❤

Linda

A thing to get rid of

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”Comparison is the thief of joy.”

Have you ever compared yourself to a person that you don’t even know? If so, why? I’ve done it myself many times, without even questioning why I actually would waste my time doing such a dumb thing.

It’s actually rather funny when you think about it. Let’s take an example. You’re scrolling through your Instagram feed, and all of a sudden you stumble upon a beautiful picture. Immediately you assume that the person, who you don’t even know, has a wonderful life and that they most probably have everything in life figured out. You look at the pictures and all you see is a person that is more successful than you; more abundant, more popular, more at peace. More perfect. More everything that you’re not. All this you have figured out after scrolling through someone’s feed for 30 seconds. Great job!

However, 30 more seconds pass by, and hopefully your brain has gone back to a healthier state-of-being. We have no idea how other people are doing or feeling, and especially if we don’t even know them. And although we’re friends with someone it still might be the case that we have no idea how they are actually doing. You can’t compare yourself to an illusion in your mind. It’s ridiculous; it’s the thief of joy. And this is also a reason why you should always treat everyone with compassion as well as respect – you have no idea what people are struggling with, what pain or fear they have to deal with, day in and day out. Therefore, be kind. Always be kind.

All this time we’re wasting on social media, comparing our ”boring” lives to other people’s perfect moments, is precious time we should be focusing on ourselves. It’s nothing wrong with social media, Instagram and all these other wonderful apps, it’s how we choose to use them that should be our biggest concern. I love scrolling through Instagram, looking for inspiration and motivation. However, as soon as I notice myself becoming uneasy, and a little depressed after looking at certain pictures I stop. I choose to follow accounts that inspire me, motivate me and that challenge my way of thinking. I want to feel good after spending time on there, I don’t want it to make me feel bad about myself. You have the power to choose who you want to follow. Maybe you’ve noticed that you follow a bunch of accounts that make you feel negative, then please; unfollow. Find new, more inspiring accounts. Accounts that lift you up.

Or why not take a break from all things social media. It’s extremely healthy to go offline from time to time, especially if you’re one of those that spends most of your waking hours in front of a screen of some sort. Go out in nature, and forget your phone at home. Concentrate on yourself. Try to always do your best from the place you’re in. And remember, your best will fluctuate; it will vary from one day to another. Journal. Sit by the ocean and watch the waves come and go. Just like life itself. Start to enjoy the simplest of things. There are tremendous, little moments just passing us by every single day, and we choose to keep our eyes connected to a screen? Connect to nature. Connect to yourself. Go outside and stand in the rain.

I mentioned earlier that I choose to follow inspiring accounts, since I wish to be motivated and challenged. However, I’ve noticed that during moments when I lack inspiration and creativity the best thing I can do is to log off, and go within. To simply just sit with myself. No distraction. Usually at first my mind is occupied by thoughts not guiding me anywhere. Nevertheless, after a while in stillness, the mind shuts up; and other, more creative thoughts are able to enter. Some days I enter a peaceful state-of-mind almost immediately, other days I’m not even able to get rid of distracting thoughts however long I would sit. Whatever the case, I try not to judge the thoughts too much, just allow them to silently pass through me.

With this being said, if you’ve noticed that you’ve been feeling a little down lately, unmotivated or bored; try to stay off your phone for a day, three days, a week.. Whatever suitable for you. Hopefully it might assist you, and help you come back to yourself again.

less
– judgment
– negative thoughts
– worrying about the future
– dwelling in the past
– sugar
– hatred

more
– water
– nature
– music
– clean thoughts
– being fully present
– laughter
– movement
– animals
– friends
– creativity
– love

❤

Linda

Contemplation

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”In silence you will find yourself.”

mornings are for coffee and contemplation. truth be told the past four months have been mostly about becoming one with the stillness, one with the unknown. never have i spent this much time in my own company. i would lie if i said it hasn’t been tough at times – cause it has.

however, it has been one of the greatest opportunities i’ve experienced thus far, simply cause it has forced me to go within. forced me to not run away from myself, from all the emotions – fear, pain and anxiety – that come with uncertainty.

it’s a beautiful thing to be able to carry oneself through deep healing. still, an important aspect to bear in mind; we’re never alone, although we might be and feel lonely. there’s always an opportunity to reach out to a friend, family member, mentor or why not even a stranger if you feel the need to share your thoughts with someone. journal. create. or simply choose to just be, to sit with it. to sit within the stillness. to watch the ocean.

try not to distract yourself – cause it’s way too easily done. don’t turn to drugs, alcohol, sex, food, shopping, porn, social media, other people’s approval.. nowadays distractions such as these are everywhere to be found, and they’re used without we even questioning why we are turning towards them. even putting other people’s needs above your own can turn into an addiction. caring too much about others, and too little about yourself.

in fact, the moment you realise that you’re not the one in control anymore, and that there’s something controlling you, then that thing might easily turn into something you will have problems saying no to. 

if you know you might suffer from an addiction of some sort, begin to ask yourself why. why am i choosing this? how does it make me feel? do i want this in my life? do i have power over it? or does it have power over me? and lastly; how can i regain my power?

you see, you don’t have to numb the pain inside – you can simply choose to sit with the pain. observe it. accept it. and watch how it, little by little, dissolves. it won’t kill you. it might feel unbearable, challenging and completely dreadful. but it won’t kill you. however, an addiction might destroy you, it might even kill you.

and yes maybe you’ll find that you have many weaknesses, things that you’re not proud of. maybe you’ve hurt people, maybe you’ve let people hurt you. whatever the case, what does it mean? it means nothing. it doesn’t make you a bad person. it doesn’t make you a failure of a person. it just makes you human. accept it, move on. change. grow. exceed your limits. better yourself. if you’re not proud of the person you’ve become then stop complaining, and do something about it. forgive, forget, make your bed, choose differently, choose wisely, walk your own path, show compassion. just don’t be afraid of who you can be.

i wish you a great day, filled with uncertainty. cause from ambiguity anything can arise.

❤

Linda

Dear July…

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… it’s you, since no one else makes sense.

”There’s beauty in simplicity.”

July, I can’t believe you’re almost here. I don’t even know if I’ll have time to say goodbye to June. She is warm, she is lovely, filled with laughter. Please, be like June. Please, be forever. Please bring us humid days, foggy nights. Soul searching and loving kindness.

It has always been you, dear July. Always been you.

5 am. Finding stillness. Seeking magic. Being free as the ocean, beautiful as the wildest flower. Inhaling confidence, exhaling doubt. Breathing in the warm days, short nights. Wide awake, we are, while watching the sunset gracefully transforming into sunrise. I’ll be all there, wherever you’ll take me.

July is for meeting childhood friends who will always be friends although you meet far too seldom. It’s for being vulnerable, being soft. Finding that inner, burning fire. Moonlight, thunderstorm and heavy rain. Poetry filled with soul and passion, the wildest of dreams coming true. July is for festivity and reading books. July is for being me.

”Be careful who you make memories with. Those things can last a lifetime.”

– Ugo Eze

It’s time to feed our souls with burning fire. Burning passion. Breathing in nature and embracing every day with curiosity, bravery and kindness. It’s about doing one’s best. Accepting oneself. Loving oneself. Being aware, and learning from mistakes. It’s about knowing one’s worth, and having the ability to inspire other human beings. Improving the quality of life. Challenging the body. Loving the body. Loving life.

It’s about a life that’s flourishing and exciting. Beautiful and unexpected. It’s about life.

Awaken your creativity, dear human. Awaken your soul. Find the bright light within. Know that life is amazing, exactly as it is. You’re amazing. Every breath a sign that you are. We are. Cherish every heartbeat, every sunrise. Every tear. It all happens right before your very eyes; hearts illuming, red roses blooming. Breathtakingly beautiful this precious moment alive.

Dear July, I welcome you. Teach us, how to become one with what is, within and without. Still and alert. Precisely as nature at 5 am. Promise dear, you’ll keep us safe. Darling promise, this time your burning sunlight will last forever. Darling remember, wake me up before you disappear.

❤

Linda

Meditate

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”We can never run out of love,
it’s in the air we’re breathing.”

Awaken your creativity, dear human. Awaken your soul. Find the bright light within. Know that life is amazing, exactly as it is. You’re amazing. Every breath a sign that you are. We are. Cherish every heartbeat, every sunrise. Every tear drop. It all happens right before your very eyes; hearts illuming, red roses blooming. Breathtakingly beautiful this precious moment alive.

… and then fear asked courage

teach me

please teach me


it’s about a life
that’s flourishing
and exciting
beautiful
and unexpected
it’s about life

i see ocean
in your eyes
i smell the flowers
of your heart
every flaw
insecurity
cracked open
bleeding
soft raindrops
resting on your cheeks
a reflection of me
healing

Don’t let yourself
Be fooled
My soul
Not defined by
Its shell

speak
with no words
undress me
with your eyes
whatever you do
my feelings
playing
butterflies

it was the way
in which she wore
the color purple
in every word
smile and touch
even every breath
a hint of magic

Dear June…

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… … it’s been a year since we last met. I can’t believe you’re almost here.

My soul talks about nothing but you.

”I speak so much better when I’m silent. 4 AM sunrise. The world is quiet. My mind intense.”

June dear, nature must be head over heels for you, the way she blossoms when you arrive. I look at you, and wonder, out of all the months in the world, I’m happy to have found one that is so perfect for me. 

June is for hot, loving summer nights. Magical, never-ending evenings. The sun wide awake, but please, don’t go back to sleep, you’re one to keep. June is for finding the happy within. Smelling roses and counting stars. Eating strawberries and breathing in vitamin sea. June is for dancing with the waves, playing with nature, kissing the soft, morning rain. You’re impeccable, just the way you are. 

This June is all about not forcing things. What flows, flows. What crashes, crashes. There’s only space for the things that are meant for us. Beautiful words, beautiful beings. Life is happening right here. Now, is the time. It’s about speaking with integrity, expressing deeply rooted desires. Throwing out limiting beliefs, negative self-talk. It’s about becoming what we always knew we were. Trusting, and accepting oneself. Loving oneself. Don’t ever forget to smell the blessings around you. Don’t ever forget to be you. 

”Wild, my darling, be wild. Don’t let them tame you.”

I welcome you, my loving friend. I sense we’ll have a blast. Forgetting all about the past.

❤

Linda

tell secrets to the sunset ♥

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”The moon has secrets
for those who listen.”

 

 

don’t tell anyone

… i kinda like
to look at you
when you laugh

 

 

 

Found in the details

​The way the ray of sunlight
touches your dark brown iris.
The way your voice
soothes my breath.
The way your fingers
entwine with mine.
The way every time
I hear you laugh
a blissful shiver
down my spine.
The way your presence
lingers underneath my skin,
long after you are gone.
The way your lips
heal my scars.
The way my touch
opens your heart.

 

 

To your fingertips

​There’s a universe inside
A few.
I bet you
Never knew,
As I were
Undressing you,
Opportunities
Pouring out too.

 

 

Embrace life

​Whatever the day brings,
kiss the Sun.
Whatever the night whispers,
kiss the Moon.
Whatever I say,
do,
kiss Me.

​

And if you think
his November rain
is too heavy,
you don’t deserve
his blossoming trees
early April.
He’s a once in a lifetime
season,
paving the way for
the winter,
and eventually
the spring.
This cycle of life,
cycle of you,
beautifully entwined,
while moving towards
the summer,
perfectly aligned.

– late night conversations with the Moon

 

 

Next to me

If I let you go,
will you return with the wind?
If I bury you underneath
my thoughts,
will you visit me in my dreams?
If I walk with my eyes closed,
will you sneak in,
with the beam of sunlight?


If I decide to wake up,
early dawn,
will you be breathing,
there,
next to me?

 

❤

Linda