My old life has come to an end. Exhale. Inhale.
In its place is a brand new life, full of new opportunities, and new challenges. I carry with me the lessons and experiences, successes and failures of the life that is no more, not as a burden, but a treasure chest. From everything I have seen and done, all the people I have known, there is a rich collection of memories to weave into new works of art, new writing, new… whatevers. There are new connections to be made, while still nurturing the best of the old friendships. A new family to create, full of friends and siblings and all their offspring and relationships.
It’s not exactly a new way of looking at the world —my philosophies have always remained constant. Indeed, my core philosophy, that of looking for the beauty in every situation, has kept me going through some very dark times. It’s clarity of that view of the world that is taking shape now. Putting philosophy into action. Creating the beauty I seek. And helping others find their own beauty, create their own magnificence.
I’m letting go of the forces of old anger, old sadness, while using those emotions as texture. You can’t ignore those feelings or they will grow without you even knowing it. They must be acknowledged, but they do not have to be the dominant force. They must be balanced with compassion, empathy, love. And communication.
I’m recognizing the causes and contributions of all sorts of experiences, good and bad, learning from the past while not living there. Neither am I living in the future, even as I have my eye on the horizon. I am, at last, taking heed of the past and hope of the future and planting my feet firmly in today, this moment. Noticing what’s happening around me right now, what I can do to make a difference right here, who needs a hand, a smile, a chance to be heard.
It’s odd, but this sense of peace is hitting me as try to recover from a very tough time. Health and home, family and work, all have been in turmoil for quite a while now. Everything was spinning out of control. But I have an amazing assortment of people who are fighting for me – people who are related and not, people taking care to listen, encourage, support, heal. It finally dawned on me, all of these lovely people are fighting for me, surely I must fight for myself as well. Surely I am worth the fight. Surely everyone is worth the fight.
Yes, this world can be exhausting, sometimes darkness seems to be eternal. But there really is beauty everywhere – and where you don’t see it, you have to create it.
So here I am, standing in the moment, Working. Creating. Living. And loving every bit of it.
To all those who have stuck with me, thank you. I love you more than I can ever express (but I’ll keep trying). And hang on. It may not always be smooth sailing, but damn, it’s going to be one hell of an adventure.