After a while you learn the subtle differences between holding a hand and chaining a soul.

And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning and company doesn't mean security.

You begin to accept your defeats with your head held high and your eyes open with the grace of a grown up, not the grief of a child.

And you learn to build your roads on today because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans, and futures have a way of falling down mid- flight.

After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much.

So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone else to bring you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure, and you really do have worth.

So think deeply, speak gently, love much, laugh often, work hard, give freely and be kind.

This is the secret of life.

-author unknown.