“Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not is is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.” – Max Ehrmann.

Big thanks to my co-worker, Tara, who reminded me of my favorite quote/poem/lesson to live by. It breaks my heart open every time. Today, I started to think that my dreams were broken, that I was like my cats, who cry outside of every closed door. They can’t stand it; they don’t want to be separate, or separated from the people they love, or the areas in which they wish to roam freely. It’s a beautiful gesture, really, despite the annoying high-pitched panic of cat meows. But the truth is, leaving every door open is not always opportune. Things fly in that you don’t want to deal with: bugs, hot air, more cats, people. Sometimes the temporary separation from you and the outside world is what keeps you sane, safe, contained by what you already have. Perhaps all closed doors should come with flashing signs that say, “Look inward.” Look in and see where there are other doors hiding. Maybe a door is not what you really need. Maybe you have already walked through what you wish to open. I don’t know. These are just suggestions. The cats are noisier than I. The doors, while closed, aren’t locked. The doors, while closed, are keeping things out, keeping you in to pander these questions.