Fragile: Handle Words with Care
Fragile: Handle with Care A clear and simple message is tacked to the bulletin board hanging on the wall in my writing room. My desk faces this wall, so I can’t help but see what’s on it. Among notes and quotes and tiny photos is a warning sticker for mailing boxes that contain breakable items. The warning is in black and bright orange ink, “Fragile, handle with care.” Why is it there? Handle people with care I tacked that sticker in plain sight to remind me that despite any bluffing, or puffing, or blustering about, or any posing, boasting, or talking too much, inside each person is a fragile heart. Which is not to say a fragile heart can’t be courageous, strong, and true. Such a heart would be open and openness is vulnerability, and vulnerability is human and fragile. “Handle with care” is simply a caution not to be reckless. Handle words with care What helps me improve carefulness? Practices such as swimming and journaling (writing by hand) help me to go more slowly in my body and m...
