Shells

The shell is America's most active contribution to the formation of character. A tough hide. Grow it early.

~ Anaias Nin

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When I see shells on the shore (a phrase I type but would struggle to say out loud), I don't look at a broken shell and think, "What is your story, little shell?" I don't think, "What adventures caused you to be broken and cracked?" I don't think, "What happened in your life, little shell?" 

No.

Instead, I think, "Ugh. That one is broken. It's not as pretty as these other ones."