Pillow Thoughts

by Courtney Peppernell

I hope you find someone who reminds you that you deserve the love you give.

Perhaps it’s just easier to smile and pretend everything is fine, rather than admit my heart’s a little swollen from losing something that wasn’t even mine.

That’s the thing about moving on. You are never going to find a love quite like the one before. The key is to stop wanting the same things and embrace the things to come.

Is that why you play the music so loud? A beat to drown out the thoughts, sound so high you cannot think, lyrics so close to home you don’t even blink.

Of all the tragedies on this earth, there is none more tragic than a person who cannot see their worth.

May your weapon be kindness Your shield compassion May the flowers grow again To sprout love from all this sadness

Wait for me; I am coming home. Wait for me; You are the soul I have always known.

But what is involved in a happily ever after? There are too many versions, not for you to choose but to create.

You are a collection of miracles, bound together by sunlight. But you are also much more than that; you are a story, a home, a wolf that howls in the night.

You are not merely made of stardust; you are the comet streaking through the sky on the way to do good and bright things.

There were many occasions when placing an out-of-order sign across your heart seemed the wisest decision to make. Only you didn’t. Instead you kept your heart open, invited people in. And even when they were reckless, messy, and selfish, you chose to remain open: a shift that never ends, a light that always stays on, a beacon in the darkest night, a melody that carries on. I am in awe of you: an open prairie among an ever-changing cycle of wind.

I do not see weakness in placing your heart on your sleeve; I see bravery in a world that can be cruel. I see something raw and beautiful in being as honest as you can be.

Change is not always the friend you may want, but it will always know when you need it.

Trust that your body is a castle, and no matter how many wars are waged at its front gates, your castle will always remain standing.