On of my favorite saying...embellished

After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul.
You learn that love doesn't mean learning and company doesn't mean security.
You begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't promises
and you begin to accept defeats with your head up and your eyes open
with the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child.
So after a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much
so you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,
instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really CAN endure, that you really do have worth,
and that you learn and learn...