Over a week after having finished reading this book to my boys and my perspective on life is still altered in more than one way. I've been categorizing all those I encounter into either creative or realistic personalities, ever expanding my list of pros and cons for each. I've ultimately determined that neither is better than the other but that both have much to share in the world. It has made me feel less ridiculous for being so creative despite my husband's practical influence on me.

The second mind altering effect this enjoyable children's novel had on me is much more enlightening. It has begun washing away the guilt that usually builds up inside me after I make a decision. I usually deliberate if it was the best decision (considering all my paths my own faulty fault) and since it is looked for, I usually come to the conclusion that I failed to make a good choice again and I will ever suffer for it.

But a delightful guru in this book states to the Applewhite family after a tragedy: "This will be a good thing. Everything works for the highest good. Always this is so. You will see. The Universe works in mysterious ways." The main character's immediate reaction to this was that his words were not only stupid but also mean-- to be so heartless about other's misery. She felt he was saying that their misery was okay and that the highest good would come from it. (pg. 179)

I've been thinking about this a lot, letting emotions flow through me rather than being scared of them. I mean, it's really interesting to feel the spectrum of emotions and then choose the positive ones. Why are we so scared about feeling bad when often this motivates us to do some good? And I have been rejoicing in my current experiences, not being scared of ones that require more work than another path would have. I’ve considered that all things may actually happen for a reason and its okay. Reason, meaning and growth applicable everywhere.