And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
~ Anais Nin
This has for a long time been one of my favourite quotes. I first read it when I really needed much courage to 'let go', to surrender to the laws of (my) nature.
At the time I also received this from my love, and it still moves me whenever I read it (often):
"Yes, it is hard when drops fall.
Trembling with fear they heavy hang,
clinging to the branch - swelling, sliding -
weight pulls them down - however they cling.
Hard to be uncertain, afraid and divided,
...difficult to feel the depth pull and call
still sit there and just quiver -
difficult to want to stay
and want to fall." - Extract from the Swedish poem, 'Ja Wisst Gör Det Ont' (Yes, Of Course It Hurts) by Karin Boye.