Saving Gracie

by Terry Lee

“Humans, by nature, are difficult creatures. They devise unhealthy emotional havens for themselves.” Kathryn squinted, trying to grasp the meaning of Maggie’s words. “They’re greatly influenced by what they’re told by others or…what they tell themselves,” Maggie said. “Which in turn becomes their reality.” Kathryn eyed Maggie, not having a clue what the woman meant. “The veil of self-deception is a defense mechanism used to protect the ego. It’s rather fragile, you know.” Maggie paused. “The ego, that is.” She pulled

Veil of self deception

“If you never have to make decisions, you forget how to think for yourself. The fear

Lack of decision making

“You know, if you want something you’ve never had, you’re gonna have to do something you’ve never done. Like…step out there, give it a try. The only way to fail is if you don’t try.”

Try

“We assist, guard, protect, comfort, support and intercede.” “For the purpose of?” “Personal growth and development,”

Purpose

“Just because you’ve always done something one way doesn’t mean it’s the only way.”

Only way

Humans have a natural ability to believe their own plausible explanations as absolute truths. They confuse truths with opinions. What may be true for one, may not be true for another.

Truth

“I’m saying that looking at other explanations of a situation allows the mind and heart to open to other possibilities.”

Open to possibilities

“You cannot discover new oceans Unless you have the courage to Lose sight of the shore.”

Courage to change

“Review, reflect and plan.” Angela said. “Review your notes from your training. Reflect on the current situation. Then work on your plan of action.”

Rrp

“A teacher prepares a student to think, evaluate, take risks, fall down, re-evaluate, and learn. And then…move forward.” Angela paused. “Parents are teachers too.”

Teach