Your Inner Library

I came across the idea of an inner library on a poster going down my Facebook feed. What is said was poweful.  Unfortunately I see it shared everywhere, but haven't been able to discover who wrote it first to credit. If you know, let me know. 

"I learned something very beautiful today. In French, bibliothèque intérieure means your inner library, the invisible shelf you carry inside filled with every story that's ever shaped you. All the books you've loved, the heartbreaks you've survived, the random quotes that stuck, the memories that built you. They all live there, quietly reminding you of who you are and how far you've come."

As I was reading it, images were rising in my mind.  Memories flooded in of reading, watching something, talking with a friend, doing an interview, unexpected AHA moments, and sometimes just random thoughts arising as I walked along the river. All my life I have been intrigued by people's stories but haven't really been able to explain it or say why listening to someone share literally gives me goosebumps.  I think this quote nails it. 

When we sit with each other and share, we are opening our inner library to another.  It is like reading a really great memoir, except you aren't alone.  You can feel their energy and their emotions and their passion bring the story they are sharing alive.  I know how easy it is to just tell the facts, whether when writing or speaking. But when you sit face to face over a cuppa and just talk something magical happens. 

Looking at all the elements listed above that have shaped who I am today brings a smile. I love the idea of thinking of them as a book I am writing within, instead of in the outside world.  And the last chapter will be finished, the last page turned, only when I finish my journey in this world. Until I take my last breath, there will always be new pages written. 

One image I was given in an interview was of all of us having pieces of gold, bits of wisdom, in our pockets. As we move through life we can share these pieces of gold with others to help lift them up. They can also share their gold with you in your time of need.  Well now I have a added new image. There is also a library within me of chapters from every moment of my life up to this one.  It isn't until the end it will come together as a book. Until then, I can read to others from the chapters already finished when asked to offer them something hopefully of use - a bit of wisdom they need to move forward, support in a low moment, or even ideas to consider as they problem solve. 

All of this, of course, also is offered me by others. All of this I freely offer to others in return. But I do add one special gift where appropriate and welcome - a big, giant mothering hug.  I started this somewhere in my early fifties.  Not everyone wants one and that is fine.  But when they do, it connects the two of us in a moment of mutual kindness. It is a gift we offer each other.  In that moment the world disappears. The struggles disappear.  We simply pause and enjoy a moment calm connection.  Joyous.