What a noble gift your mother gave you all those years ago. I think it's incredible that you still have the book, and this poem is still so relevant and wise. It mirrors the character and integrity my parents modeled to me and my siblings for the entirety of their lives. I've learned (and I am still learning) that before one can really live and thrive, we must know ourselves, and because we're not static, it is an ongoing process.
Little Blue Books are a series of small staple-bound books published from 1919 through 1978 by the Haldeman-Julius Publishing Company of Girard, Kansas.
I can't believe I'd never read this fabulous poem, and what a treasure that book from your mother must be! The poem resonated so strongly with me and I can see why she thought it was the perfect lens through which to view any decision you might have to make. Connection with Self (self-knowledge, self-awareness) is, for me, on of the four essential Connections of the Heartspoken Life. I'm so happy to add this poem as a tool for strengthening that connection.
My mother and I had a tenuous relationship partly because of her alcoholism and depression- partly because of my rebellious nature. This book is a standout of positivity, and it touches me every time I pick it up. As if part of her is in it. Thanks for your on-point comments!
How nice that you have that little book even to this day.
The poem? I could have done with a copy of it stuck to my bathroom mirror from age 18. Alas. Young and stupid. I did all the dumb things.
Inspired - I'm going to print a copy of the poem for my adult daughters (41 and 39). Your mother's intentions in giving you the book will live on in ways she didn't imagine.
What a noble gift your mother gave you all those years ago. I think it's incredible that you still have the book, and this poem is still so relevant and wise. It mirrors the character and integrity my parents modeled to me and my siblings for the entirety of their lives. I've learned (and I am still learning) that before one can really live and thrive, we must know ourselves, and because we're not static, it is an ongoing process.
Lovely comment, thanks.
I heard about these "Little Blue Books" a long time ago. I wonder if it was something like that...
Little Blue Book
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Little_Blue_Book
Little Blue Books are a series of small staple-bound books published from 1919 through 1978 by the Haldeman-Julius Publishing Company of Girard, Kansas.
I don't know if it was blue--the cover has been gone for half a century, but it sounds similar. I'm going to look into that series--thanks!
I can't believe I'd never read this fabulous poem, and what a treasure that book from your mother must be! The poem resonated so strongly with me and I can see why she thought it was the perfect lens through which to view any decision you might have to make. Connection with Self (self-knowledge, self-awareness) is, for me, on of the four essential Connections of the Heartspoken Life. I'm so happy to add this poem as a tool for strengthening that connection.
My mother and I had a tenuous relationship partly because of her alcoholism and depression- partly because of my rebellious nature. This book is a standout of positivity, and it touches me every time I pick it up. As if part of her is in it. Thanks for your on-point comments!
How nice that you have that little book even to this day.
The poem? I could have done with a copy of it stuck to my bathroom mirror from age 18. Alas. Young and stupid. I did all the dumb things.
Inspired - I'm going to print a copy of the poem for my adult daughters (41 and 39). Your mother's intentions in giving you the book will live on in ways she didn't imagine.
Ahhh, this is the ripple effect of good writing and heartspoken sharing!
It affected me the same way it did you. I just love the whole poem.