Rumi, a cat, and me

“Silence is the language of God, all else is poor translation.”

I am not a ‘quoter’, so to speak. They usually make me roll my eyes. One of the (many) reasons I ditched facebook was because I was so tired of all the inspiration quotes people posted all the time. Usually it was wrapped up in a selfish post about some great offense done to said individual.

But as the year quietly slipped from 2011 to 2012, I happened upon this quote from the Persian poet, Rumi. And it hit me right over the head. THIS. THIS is what I want to change about myself. This is the space I want to create around myself. It would benefit me in relationships, as a mother, as a wife. A resolution of sorts.

Last night as I was falling asleep, I saw sweet kitty sleeping at my feet. I had to take a picture of her because at that moment when I looked at her, I remembered that quote. I had to look it up to find it again right then and there. Not that my kitty is at any level an inspiration (!), but the quiet of her reminded me to step back. I keep blowing my top at so much in the world lately. To what effect? I am stressed out and on edge. I don’t want to be there. But I feel my voice needs to be heard. I struggle to find a better balance.

I found the quote and laid back down. I assessed what I had changed so far this year. I am proud of the baby step I have taken with Yamro and school. I am much more patient – I am putting myself in her shoes – I am not saying much. I let her read at her own pace. I correct less. Praise more. In my head I have stopped comparing her reading level to her brothers at the same age. And I see a change in her and me.

Thank you kitty. Thank you Rumi.