The Forest of Enchantments

by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

‘Anything that makes us forget our true selves is a trap, princess—even something we love or define as beautiful.

Why was it that our holy men who made a big deal of giving up so many things—comfort, fame, family—couldn’t seem to give up their tempers?

And finally, I bless my daughters, who are yet unborn. I pray that, if life tests them—as sooner or later life is bound to do—they’ll be able to stand steadfast and think carefully, using their hearts as well as their heads, understanding when they need to compromise, and knowing when they must not.