After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
and you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning and company doesn’t mean security.

After a while you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts and presents aren’t promises, and you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open, with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child.

After a while you learn to build your roads on today because tomorrow’s grounds are too uncertain for plans.

After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much. So plant your own garden and decorate your own soil instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure,

…that you really are strong,

…and you really do have worth.

Anonymous