Life is about transitions. I look back on this year. Winter was filled with urgent to-do lists. Sell the Long Island house, find a spot open for COVID vaccinations for myself and my family, call the movers, and in the weeks before the move have an estate sale of my antiques and collectibles. I pause to reflect on my 2021 one word, begin, knowing that it has brought me through many challenges since I asked it to be a guide on my life journey.
I contemplate my one word's presence in my life, consider what it offers for the future, and deliberate on what can be done to stop brooding over past missteps. Sometimes, I celebrate the word begin and other times get wrapped up in fairytale-like ponderings of an ideal new life. In reality, life is not an easy road to transverse. It is filled with detours, congested pathways, and bridges to cross. I am fully aware that life is fragile and uncertain but can be a hopeful journey if i remain positive.
From the beginning of January, I trusted my one word. With faith on my side and the word begin, I crossed several hurdles starting with getting lost on the trip down to Virginia. I am not quite sure how I did that but it happened and left me in a quandary. I circled around, tried to find a new route, and finally broke down in tears. Was this a warning on how life could be if I continued to be stressed? Did I slow down when I finally arrived in Virginia? No, afterall there were so many tasks to be completed as we moved into our new home. My granddaughters have provided love and joy that dismisses tense-filled weekly tasks.
I am happy to say, that I have prevailed through surging storms, service calls, and edginess amidst open and unopened boxes so I decided to revise my January 2021 Commitment Statement.
I must admit since we moved, sometimes I felt like the wilting flowers in my new garden. They thirsted for a new beginning but I did not know how to nurture these new young plants. I want to stand tall like the other blooms in my gardens. They offer their presence reminding me to sing the praises of nature's blessings.
What a beautiful reflection. You remind me of times in my own journey when progress wasn't so pretty or far. I'm glad you are re-committing to "begin." I love the quote about being willing to begin each morning. Sometimes, I think I should be more advanced than I am. That quote is a keeper. Thank you for your wisdom today, Carol.
ReplyDeleteLinda, you make me feel inspired to dig deeper. While being introspective and honest, I spoke from the heart, not thinking that wisdom would be an outcome. I appreciate your thoughts that give a nod to my new found thoughts on my OLW. I am ready to begin a new day with a new outlook.
DeleteI like the idea of each day being a new beginning. I was hoping for you that things would settle down once you made the move, but there is always more to do. Flowers are a symbol of the rest we need to take to be able to bloom (begin) again.
ReplyDeleteSettling down was my goal, Margaret, but too many to do lists conflicted. I was left "holding the bag" for the family and this brought me to multi-tasking when I should have been slowing down to concentrate more clearly on how to begin each task and take it to the next level. With a new song in my heart, I will try to maneuver the lessening to dos and focus on each day as a new beginning without worry, fear of not accomplishing by end dates, so I can live life among the flowers to bloom again in faith.
DeleteCarol, I read your renewed commitment compared to the original. Perhaps a little less sure of yourself, just a bud now instead of a flower, but maybe more trusting in the solid ground under you today. This quote: "Be willing to be a beginner every single morning." It's great for all of us! I have another favorite quote from him: "If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough." Peace to you as you begin your new day today!
ReplyDeleteDenise, thanks for pointing out how my analogy changed. Yes, the buds of spring are on my mind and I feel more like budding into a new version of myself now. I am on solid ground (I hope) with my new way of looking at my one word-one day at a time. Thank you for the second quote. I love it!
DeleteCarol: A beautiful post, and I admire your dedication and faith as you face each new day. Be well, Carol, and God bless you.
ReplyDeleteI grinned when you mentioned your diminishing box count! I'm at my sister's home and was last here two years ago when she moved from her home of more than 40 years in CA to TX to be near her son and family. I jokingly asked her if she had cleaned out "my room." When I left it was filled with boxes that we stashed there for when she could get to them. Happy to report that my room is box free! So much that I love in this post - the comfort of grandchildren, nature's blessings, life's constant challenges. Thanks for writing.
ReplyDeleteLife IS about transitions, Carol, and this past year has brought them in layers. Sometimes it's been paralyzing for me - and I haven't even had to deal with moving! With every post I see how you are settling in and carving out those precious moments with your granddaughters, to meditate, to create, to savor, to rest in your faith. In whatever you are experiencing, you always find your way (write your way!) through to a place of peace, and you bring us right along with you. Always grateful for you and your words. Even when you feel "wilted," you are blossoming still.
ReplyDeleteYou truly have chosen to begin again, and again...But this is what one must do, to keep moving forward. In the midst of all these beginnings, you've taken stock and focused on what has become, changed, grown out of your half-year's experience. I see your connections with where you are now, these tiny young roots starting (beginning!) to reach deeper. Sending prayers that those roots will run deep by December's end, when your next OLW will find and guide you.
ReplyDelete