The Little Things We Keep...

There are some little things we keep to ourselves. Secrets about ourselves we don't want anyone to know, or certain feelings we may have about something that it is pointless to share. A gift given but held close, or a new love that gives -est to our lives and is shared only in a published smile.

...behind closed doors....

We all know that those secrets we keep about ourselves are eventually discovered. But it's only because the person who figures it all out was the one who was meant to do so, and in digging deeper they find your true self, even if they don't like everything about it. You are seen, bean.

...but it feels pretty good...

The feelings we don't want to share are often exhibited in our behaviors. We stomp and pout and let it all out, and again it is that one person who recognizes what it's all about. And maybe, if you're lucky, He will let you do the Hokey Pokey.

...um...yeah...

For months and months I shared my -est in a published smile. That smile's meaning was only known by one other, and I hear it made Him smile a bit too. But keeping it a secret, between only two just seemed the thing to do.

..and i wore it all day...everyday...still do...

Gifts mean different things to different people. Some appreciate them and hold them close like precious gems. Others share those gifts with any and all who will care to hear, look or touch. Some only share their gifts with a few select someones, and some share gifts they've no right to.  To me, the pleasure these people derive from a gift is in the sharing of it, the oohing and aahhing, the WOW factor, the validation from others that their gift has merit and value. It's exciting to share a gift that's been given, whether it is a new friendship, and old one, a burgeoning emotional attachment, an article of clothing or jewelry, hell, even a new puppy. But of course you would share that because they are so damn cute.

...see?...

Gifts are not always tangible things. In fact to me the most precious gifts cannot be held forever, and are really only yours to borrow, to keep for a little while. These are the little things we keep. The things we cannot know will be around forever. The things we may screw up and lose or drive away. The things we may destroy by our very efforts to keep them. And once they are gone, well....they are no longer so little.

...my...

People forget that their actions have the ability to wound, to hurt, to bruise scratch and bite. Alright, so I like biting, but the rest? Not always so much. I am a gift. So are you. So is everyone a gift to that same someone who sees them, and all they try to hide. But here's what I've figured out about being a gift. You can only give yourself to one. That someone who sees what he holds.

...and wants to hold...

Because it is only that someone who will recognize their gift for the truth that it is. They won't give it back. They won't share it with someone else. And they will give you the gift of doing the same. It's just a little thing. But I think I'll keep it.

Emily