Violent Opposition

Einstein was quoted as once saying, "Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly."

I can't help but find comfort in the often misunderstood mind of Albert Einstein. During his time in this world, he was faced with great challenges yet stood firm in his ways. He didn't allow a world critical of anyone who is brave enough to think for herself/himself shatter his visions and the works of his brainpower. And look where that got him...

I think we need to take a few pointers from the man with the wacky hair and let ourselves free to think and feel and be solely us. Wipe off the influences of what is comfortable and unchallenged and safe, and find the little girl you've always been beneath years of scrutiny and criticism. Do not allow all that you've been through to swallow your dreams and laugh at your beliefs - rise where you stand and breathe in a life that is yours and yours alone. I dare you to look beyond simply wearing that dress you've been scared to don, though doing so without hesitation and with intent and purpose is a beautiful start.

No, I dare you to go beyond that - wear whatever the hell you want to but also say what your heart feels. Respect other people, but also remember to respect yourself and your rights to have thoughts and ideas respected by others. Do not allow people to disrespect your existence. Those people don't deserve your company or your stance on life. Find others who do, because (believe it or not) they actually exist! Truly!

You are a Great Spirit. An old soul whose childlike abilities to find joy in a sunrise and hope in a lightning bug are as rare as the breed of human you are. Do not pull the blinds on your light, because it is Heaven-sent. Do not allow anyone else to do so either. They have no right. Don't even bother to open your windows; swing open your doors and run like you did when you were five. Howl at the moon, chase the coyotes, and sing with the air-bounds.

You are mad and magical and full of all that is good and real and pure. Just because most of the world is unable to recognize and comprehend all that you are does not mean that you must change the way you're composed. Stay wild. Remain free. And remember that if you ever start to lose yourself, the trees will always be there to remind you.

With love and listening ears,
Until next time,
Sea