Lessons from a clown

Lessons from a Clown
(For my special child)

I know that the past weeks have not been easy. Though you wear a smile on your face, I am able to see through you. The colours around you are faded and dull, as if the problems of the world have sucked the lustre and vitality around you.

I see you...
even though the mask you wear is like a sealed armour,
and as you resist...
the only way I can get through to you is really to start peeling those hardened layers...one by one.
I will continue to do so. Remember...I've told you time and time again...we sometimes have to be cruel to be kind.

Today, I want to tell you something about clowns.
We all know that clowns are supposed to make people happy. Their job is to make others laugh at and with them; to put smiles on faces. They fill children with joy by their silly antics.

But do you really think that it is easy being a clown?

I read somewhere, that in reality, some of the best clowns in the world...are 'the saddest people' in the world. The reason for the irony is that it may really take a person who truly understands what it means to be down and out, to feel so low and disillusioned...that he is able to reach out to another. He is able to empathise, and thinks of the hurt and pain of others.

Then to hide his own sorrows, to puts on the layers of face paint...to mask his true self. He in turn gets some comfort in the thought of making someone else feel good.

I am not comparing you to a clown...don't worry. But I think you are perceptive enough to know what I mean.

Here's the thing I hope you will really think about as you face your challenges each day.

Life...does not really have to make sense sometimes.
There are things that we cannot understand, and cannot rationalise.
So don't try to understand everything - nothing is purely black and white.

Don't be afraid...
to allow your heart to rule your head at times.
to wear your heart on your sleeve...and let others know how you feel.
When things go right, celebrate and be grateful.
And if things go wrong...live with it..and still be grateful.

I know deep within you,
you are resilient, and perservering...
So don't allow yourself to feel disheartened to try to make things better.
There will be days...when you feel as if the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Bear it a while, and move on.

Live each day of your life to the fullest...
for your yesterdays will be of meaningful memories; and not of guilt or regrets
and your tomorrows...be the stepping stones to your destiny.

Take time to learn, and discover more about yourself,
for the inner journey is just as important as the outer one.
Make this learning a lifelong journey, for it makes you a better person.

There are so many things I want to tell you...but the most important now is this.
Never for once, think that you are alone...and that you have nobody.
You do...remember that.

I will end this entry with this poem by Walt Whitman.

"Each man and each woman of you I lead
upon a knoll.
My left hand is hooking you around the waist,
My right hand pointing to landscapes of continents
and the public road.
Not I, not any one else can travel the road for you.
You must travel it for yourself."

Prayer for Today
Dear God...bless and look after this child...and all the children of the world...for they hold the future. - Ameen