You approach the campfire. An old man sits there, watching the fire crackle. His tattered grey robes and his bushy beard seem to blend together. His posture shows the true weight of gravity… as he leans forward on his wooden, twisted cane. His smile is warm. And welcoming. You take a seat on the sitting log across from him, and allow the warmth to wash your hands clean of the cold night.

\- He speaks to you. “You and I walk the same road. I honor your journey, and offer you comfort. Partake in this fire, and my food. Freely”. – He gestures to the pot over the flame- . “Though the road is long, and arduous. Please, rest here. Rest now. With me. Rest with love, and acceptance of yourself”.

Love…? You respond. “Old man… I have no love for myself. I have earned no love. I have yet to achieve something worthy of my name. …I have done awful things to survive”.

Old man- “…Then rest your body. Just for a moment. Your aches and pains are respected here. This journey is not easy”. -The old man sighed warmly. – “…If you cannot love yourself. May I share this with you?”.

He waits earnestly, though you say nothing. He continues. “There was once a time when I did not love myself. For years, I moved in shadow, and burden. Fighting for a future where all was well. Every day, a struggle. In moments of clarity, I knew it wasn’t supposed to be this way. One day, broken… reeling… hopeless… I looked inside of myself. Deeper than the pain. Standing there, was the child I was so long ago. The light of the world reflected from his eyes. A being of pure innocence, who beamed bright with love. And it struck me, like a wave. I spent so much time protecting him… fighting for his world. I forgot to love him. I did what I thought I had to do to survive this life. My mistakes brought great pain. I sought fame, and fortune. Though my grasps fell short. But as I looked into the child’s eyes. All I saw was life. I pictured embracing him, warmly. And I forgave him for the mistakes he made. ‘Forgive them, for they know not what they do’. Some religious man I knew said that once. It felt true. Traveler… I worship no Gods, but I aim true. And my heart tells me to speak this: You must find the child inside, and learn to love him. For he is with you. Always. And no one is there to guide him accept you But all of us who know this are here with you”.