Two poems for today

*and a reminder

Dear Kula Diaries,

I had originally planned for a different post today, one about my continued journey of working on a healthier relationship with my phone and with social media. But then I realized that today, being Mother’s Day here in the U.S., I don’t want people spending time on their phones reading too much about anything that I have to say. So instead, I’m just sharing these two poems. These poems were written by me, and they include stunning art by my friend Amanda McIntyre, who is an amazing mom and talented artist.

Me and my mom!

I acknowledge and understand that Mother’s Day can be both a joyful holiday and a very complicated holiday for some folks. As a child-free person who has been treated very differently from others my entire life due to my personal choice, I hope that I can also speak on behalf of all of the child-free folks out there, whether being child-free was a choice or not: there is a place in this world for all of us.

Art by Amanda McIntyre.

Mother’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate something sacred — and it’s possible to celebrate both the joy of motherhood and also the joy of being exactly who we are, each of us a nurturer of life itself and an important part of this infinite cosmic being.

So whatever feelings today holds for you, whether they are sad or indifferent or grieving or annoyed or remorseful or joyful, please know there is a place for that, and that all feelings and experiences are worthy and valid, and that there is nothing that can make you more or less whole than you already are.

Art by Amanda McIntyre.

I heard a really beautiful story the other day that I wanted to share:

A woman held a rose out to a small child and asked a question, “Is this rose beautiful?” The child thought for a moment and replied, “Yes, it is!”

Then, the woman hid the rose behind her back and asked, “Is the rose still beautiful?”

The child thought for a moment and replied, “Yes, it is.”

Beauty, love, kindness — these things exist within us, not apart from us. Always remember that, and you will understand how incredible you really are.

Sending you all so much love today and all days.