Glass Menagerie

Dear Laura

Like a unicorn, you are one-of-a-kind, elusive, and stunningly surreal. Your inability to find your place in the world is because of your utter uniqueness; there is no one in the world quite like you. You will never fit into your mother's shoes or anyone else's, so do not berate yourself for not being more like her. Your mother might be outgoing but she lacks the depth of character that you exhibit: your frankness, your honesty, and your spiritual integrity.

Laura, your mother's plans for you are not your own. Stop trying so hard to conform to her ideal image of you and start finding yourself. I believe you know who you are: your introspection must have yielded at least a glimmer of insight into your talents, your dreams, your desires. Extricate yourself from your mother's grasp. She means well for you but assumes you will become her mirror-image.

Perhaps you are a musician, a writer, or an artist. Your shyness may be a sign that your true self-expression will manifest not in words but in creative outlets. Experiment with the arts to find your voice and suddenly you will not feel so shy after all. Your creative medium will become the voice you have been seeking for your entire life. Through it you will relate to the outside world and to the special people that inhabit it. You will stop worrying about fitting in, because it will be others who will hope to fit into your world.

Laura, those close to you feel honored to be in your presence. You saw that Jim felt smitten with you, and I believed he helped you to believe in yourself. Despite of what you may think Tom also loves you dearly and misses you deeply. Your family will always be there for you if and when you need them.

You can trust them but more importantly, you can trust yourself. Value your independence, your solitude, and your time alone. Through your introspection your soul is nurtured. Follow your bliss and your life will open up like a flower in spring.