I was once criticized for being too “soft”. I wasn’t hard enough on my writing students, I wasn’t harsh enough with them, therefore I was a bad teacher. Because my self-love was not properly developed, I was devastated by this criticism. It was so important to me to be a good mentor. It took me a long time in my life to realize that gentleness is a gift in a hard world, that I offered my students a safe space to express themselves, and learn to write their hearts. I’ve since come to appreciate my gentle heart and the light it brings. When someone criticizes you, remember your own light, and shine brighter.

Love, Cheri .