My Heart

Yesterday I picked Violet up from school.

She was sobbing; I quickly scooped her up and asked her what was wrong.
This hurt little voice came out "XXX hurt my feelings".

My heart sank; why was it so painful to hear these words?

It's excruciating to think about how cruel other children can be, or that her feelings will get hurt countless times throughout her life. This is only the beginning.

This is one of those moments I want to shield her from it all.

I want to keep her under my wing, defend her from her enemies, and protect her “feelings”.

I want to tell her over and over what an incredible little person she is, and help to give her the confidence she needs to stand up for herself.

This parenting thing is a tough job, just one more thing I learned about both her and myself today. I guess it’s a never ending journey. I wouldn’t change it for anything. I’m sure there will many more tears along the way. I hope I can be the best support and listener. I’m ready.

I read this today and it reminded me of why we are faced with certain things:
For a person who cherishes compassion and love, the practice of tolerance is essential, and for that, an enemy is indispensable. So we should feel grateful to our enemies, for it is they who can best help us develop a tranquil mind! (Article on Compassion and the Individual by the Dalai Lama)