I feel like writing tonight. As I was searching my brain for a topic, my eyes landed on a book in my daughter’s room “Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kaur. Her first book has sold over 3 million copies, tops bestseller lists, and she is a rock star amongst the young woman set.
She started off unconventionally for a writer, as a poet on Instagram. She writes about love, heartbreak and womanhood. She also writes about some deeper stuff – including sexual violence – and at first I was admittedly appalled by some of her writing.
But my daughter asked me to read her poetry together on the beach recently and how could I possibly say no? I believe wholeheartedly that as my kids get older it is so important to meet them where they are. How could I not take the opportunity to learn with her?
So we sat closely together on the beach and I read to her. We listened to the waves with our toes in the sand. We read most of her book together in one sitting on the beach. It is one of my most favorite memories.
And I love a lot of what Rupi has to say. Here is one of her shorter poems, which is a great guidepost for anyone.
how you love yourself is
how you teach others
to love you
The lesson is simple, yet profound. You are worth loving and loving well. It starts with how you see yourself. Your self-worth. Your ability to reinforce with each decision that you matter. It’s up to you to create the life you will love. Surrounding yourself with people who are worthy.
And once you find your people, you hold on tight. Because knowing who you can count on, who brings you joy, who brings out the best in you, and who will stand beside you is really everything.
As you hold on tight, you love deeply. As she so beautifully writes, at the end of the day, this is all that really matters.
most importantly love
like it’s the only thing you know how
at the end of the day all this
means nothing
this page
where you’re sitting
your degree
your job
the money
nothing even matters
except love and human connection
who you loved
and how deeply you loved them
how you touched the people around you
and how much you gave them
I’m grateful to my daughter for introducing me to Rupi’s writing. I had seen her books, but am admittedly not a poetry lover, and had barely glanced at them. I love that my daughter is old enough to open my eyes to new horizons. I can learn a lot by opening my mind to new ideas and new perspectives. Along the way, I get to learn more about one of my very most favorite people in the world. Such.a.gift.
The Redefining 