“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” ~Joseph Campbell “Our deepest calling is to grow into our own authentic self-hood, whether or not it conforms to some image of who we ought to be.
As we do so, we will not only find the joy that every human being seeks—we will also find our path of authentic service in the world.” ~Parker Palmer When I was young, I was creative, independent, and assertive.
My days were spent climbing trees, building forts, and catching water striders in creek beds. My best friend Rita and I were raised by strong feminist women (also best friends)—who laughed loudly, smoked cigarettes, and rolled their eyes at waiters who dared to call them “ladies.” We roamed our neighborhood unsupervised, stood our ground alongside our older brothers, and marched with our moms for equal rights and pro-choice.
Life felt boundless and alive. But midway through fourth grade, my family moved to a more conservative, upper-class town, and suddenly, I felt out of place.