The grand cosmos have a strange way of putting everything into its rightful place, don’t they? We never even have to lift a finger, either. It’s almost as if all the work is done for us as we just sit by and watch the change happen right before our eyes. Sometimes, we didn’t know we desperately needed this change in our lives. Other times, we’re looking for a sign – any sign – that the change we seek is in sight.
My mom once found a laminated star while she was cleaning out one of her many overflowing bins. On the green star, in simple bold lettering, was the word “courage.”
She gave it to me during my struggles with depression, and guess what? I carried around that little star for many months. I clung to it so tightly at times that it become my security blanket, like a badge that sort of made me feel like a superhero instead of the blubbering basket case I felt like most of the time. It was comforting to know that it was always close to me, and always close to my heart because at that time, I’d never been in such desperate need of courage. But don’t we all? I mean, if we really think about it, isn’t life just one gigantic marathon of taking a metaphorical courage star and running with it? Or, if you don’t have the strength to run, just keeping it with you and waiting for that moment when the powers of the star – and yes, I do believe this star has magical powers – shine on you and push you forward?
Life takes courage. At times when we expect it, like when we lose someone we love, or when we make the courageous decision to change careers or relationships. And life takes courage, still, in those moments that, although smaller, define who we are. When we stand up for injustice, or finally find our voice after what seemed like years of searching for it. We feel victorious because we’re no longer rendered silent.
So maybe we should all make our own laminated star. We could all band together through our badges.
But maybe, unlike me, courage isn’t what you need right now. Maybe you need love, or joy, or hope, or laughter. Or maybe you just need a picture of yourself on the star to remind yourself every day just how beautiful you are. Nevermind those folks who will say that’s vain. Just tell them it’s part of your therapy and hand them a tolerance star.
I don’t know about you, but I’m going to stand tall and carry my star with me. What’s your star, friends? xoxo
[Photos via We Heart It]
Cheryl says
Beautiful post today, Melissa! Thanks, I really loved it.
Melissa Blake says
Hi, Cheryl — thanks so much! Hope you're having a good day! xoxo
Lena at A Crimson Kiss says
I'm tearing up at my desk–this is such a beautiful post! I think these days, my star would be "friendship". xox
Stephanie says
This is so beautiful…mine would be time. I just need time with my beautiful family…for time to slow down so we can enjoy each other without the hectic craziness of the day-to-day. : )
Melissa Blake says
Stephanie, I know exactly what you mean…my mom and i ask each other every night, "where does the time go?" It just goes too fast!!
laurenjeanallece says
Oh Melissa, I can't tell you how much I needed this right this moment. No sooner than the very instant I let my worry about someone very important in my life overcome me with tears did I log into blogger and see this post… Thank you. Thank you so much.
My star says "hold on". And I know that I can 🙂
Anonymous says
As always, your lovely mother sounds wise and sweet.
My star would be pictures and cards I put on my desk at work to remind me of what I should be grateful for (instead of just grumbling over my workload).
Miss Caitlin S. says
i could definitely use a courage star on days more often than not. thank you for the reminder! i love that your mom thought to give it to you when you needed it.
Stephanie says
Aww, I loved this post! It actually made me think of an old tradition my friends and I had in high school. We were all involved in theater, and before each play we'd each put one of those star stickers somewhere on our bodies to wear during the performance. After graduation, the tradition ceased… temporarily. When we were out of college, the tradition revived, this time as each of us got married! The stars certainly symbolized courage before the plays… it takes a lot of guts to get up there! During our weddings, they were a reminder that we'd always be friends, even as we moved on with our lives. 🙂
Melissa Blake says
Stephanie, what a sweet story! It's great you all kept in touch over the years!
Melissa Blake says
Thanks for all the kind comments! xoxo
Anonymous says
This is my favorite about what I said post ever.