Lessons from a Child

Every time I see my grandson he reminds me of things that I have forgotten and always teaches me something new.  His joy and passion for everything from trains to peanut butter amazes me.  I love to watch his sense of wonder as he explores and investigates every aspect of the world around him.

Now it is time for me to practice what he is teaching me – to love the adventure of my own life, to see with new eyes and discover all those things that I may have missed in the rush of my younger years.   I am very grateful for the pure and beautiful lessons from a child.

Out of Balance

It used to be that all I wanted was a balanced life.  No more of the extreme highs and lows I experienced when I was younger.  Even as recently as this week I thought that I needed to find the balance between my work and personal life.  I was wrong!  What I really want and truly need is for the rest of my life to be full of extreme joy and appreciation for all that is wonderful in the world! 

No more tiptoeing through this incredible journey, I am running headlong into the most wondrous experience I can possibly have and want only to be desperately, hopelessly out of balance!

 

Loneliness

Loneliness is not something that I am very familiar with.  I spent the first part of my life with family, friends and children and the second part appreciating the joy of living on my own without feeling alone.  I have enjoyed the solitude and freedom to do whatever I want whenever I want. 

Something has changed for me in recent years.  Now I have a true desire to share my life in a way that I’ve not felt before.  Whether I’m travelling or just at home I want the closeness and shared experience of being with someone special.

It will be very interesting to see what wonderful experiences will come from loneliness.

Split Loyalties

After returning from my trip abroad I’m finding it increasingly difficult to reconnect with work and the priorities that others would set for me.  Being away always gives me such clarity about what I do and do not want in my life. 

This journey was full of appreciation of the past and anticipation of the future with gratitude for exactly where I am right now.  Now that I am home, I feel compelled to be true to myself and pursue only those things that make my heart happy.

At this amazing time of my life I am no longer interested in or willing to split my loyalties.

Belonging

The train pulled into stop at the small station in Darlington and I noticed a woman stand to put on her coat.  I couldn’t help but stare – she looked exactly like my mother.  The same features, hair, shape – everything and it brought tears to my eyes. 
Here in Yorkshire, the exact place where my family is from to see someone who looks like me gave me an intense sense of knowing who I am and belonging in the world.

Humble Beginnings

To say my life had a humble beginning would be an extreme understatement. I was raised by my mother with one younger brother and it was a struggle to pay rent or keep food in the house. Mom worked very hard to keep what was left of her family together and never got any support of any kind from anyone. Too proud to take state assistance she managed by working as many jobs as she could find.

This month I went to Scotland and England to see where her family was from and now I see exactly where she got her strength and work ethic.  It was a very emotional journey to stand on the land that my ancestors lived and worked.  Theirs was a hard life indeed and it was very satisfying to know where I came from. 

When I look at the wonderful life I have – it is hard to believe it started from such humble beginnings….