facts of life

image by paige cunningham

you will find things that are beautiful.

decaying oak leaves under your sneakers in the woods in new england.

music. onion rings. bathings suits and lakes.

the feel of your cat’s paws pressed into your belly.

you will travel. you will go places that you have not seen before.

you will smell jasmine and orange blossoms together for the first time.

you will fall in love.

your heart will be broken.

and then you will love again.

each breaking will season you.

that’s about all I can really tell you.

no matter what happens, keep going.

life will surprise you. at least as much as it hurts you—maybe more.

there is always something that will catch your attention.

one peaceful breath.

a piece of toast.

the sound of gravel scattering in the driveway when your husband comes home.