strange

“This above all: to thine own self be true.” ~ Polonius (Shakespeare)

I used to think that quote was talking about following your dreams, ensuring that your actions fit who you are and all that. But as I’ve gotten older (yeah, okay, I’m not using a walker yet, I know), it’s started to have a different meaning for me. It’s not about actions at all, it’s about being.

Specifically, being honest enough with yourself to be yourself. It’s not as simple as some motivational poster telling you to be yourself. We’re a thousand times more complicated than that. (more…)

A hero: Malala Yousufzai

Halfway around the world today, a 14-year-old girl was shot. Not because she was hanging with the wrong crowd. Not because she did drugs or anything like that. It was because she dared to stand up for something, because she dared to say education is important, even for women.

She was shot by the Taliban. Once in the head, once in the neck.

A 14-year-old girl.

Her name is Malala Yousufzai and she is Pakistani. She’s in stable condition, but the Taliban warned that “if she survives this time, she won’t next time.”

A 14-year-old girl. (more…)