Music

 Today I was reminded of how music has impacted the many stages of my life.

It was a good reminder.  I'd forgotten how alive music made me feel and how many times I cried over a sentimental song and when it was over, I felt so healed.

It's been a long time since I was in touch with that side of myself.  

HELLO BEAUTIFUL, WELCOME BACK!

Imposter!

I never realized there was a "term" for what I was feeling, but thanks to the Internet, I had a light bulb moment a few years ago.  IMPOSTER SYNDROME!  Who knew I was suffering from that?  Who knew that other people felt the same?

It was such a relief to realize I wasn't an imposter. I was brilliant and deserving and here's a secret, SO ARE YOU!

I no longer doubt myself (well not always) and I believe I can do anything if I really want to!  I live by the motto "Feel Fear AND DO IT ANYWAY!".  So many things I wouldn't have if not for that -- like the job that I love during the day and teaching at night.  I didn't think I was qualified for either and guess what? I am!

There was a great course (Overcoming Imposter Syndrome) that I took on Insight Timer a few years ago.  It was life-changing for me!

Healing

My son's girlfriend posted this today, making me stop and think.  I've been good about letting go of the situations that caused me suffering in the past... or so I think, but then stuff creeps up, and triggers happen, and I realize so much of it is still in there, trapped, hurting, weighing heavy on me.  "Occupying space" that I should be holding for better things.

I have a great life.  I've come so far.  When I think about where I was ten, even 5 years ago, compared to where I am now, I'm stunned.  So many amazing changes, less stress, less "suffering."  How happy that single Mom I became 15 years ago would have been to have what I have now.  How RELIEVED she would have been to be able to buy things for her kids without worrying about money, to go out to eat without looking at the prices on the menu, and to take them on vacation, knowing she could.

Those were dreams back then.  Now it's reality.  I'm so grateful.  And yet, sometimes I still feel like I'm "suffering" because someone says something that doesn't make me feel good, worthy, or just makes me sad or angry.  I've done so much healing, and I still need to look at the role I play in my own suffering.

A work in progress....

 

Walk boldly into the future little one...

 I love these types of writing prompts -- this one, to write a letter to my 5-year-old self stirred a lot of emotions in me: 

If I could go back in time and talk to my 5-year-old self, I would have so much to tell her.

Walk boldly into the future little one.  I know that this world is a scary place sometimes, but it won't always be that way.

You will grow up to be a beautiful, loving, strong woman.  You will have a life free of fear, in that beautiful house in the woods that you see in those beautiful House & Garden magazines that you love so much.

Your future is bright.

Those scenes you love so much, when you stand out in nature and listen to the trees, they will become a regular part of your life.

The peace that you crave will be yours.  The fights, the screaming, the tears, the fear, it will all be gone someday.

Walk boldly into the future little one, and don't look back, you're not going in that direction❤️ 

Imagine that...

 I found myself fussing with my husband yesterday over how he puts dishes in the dishwasher.  Why doesn't he listen to me?  Of course, my way of placing the dishes is the only right way. 😆

But that little voice in my head stopped me.  And then he told me that what HE doesn't like is how I pile the utensils in there because he wants to flip some of the spoons and forks, so they come out clean.... hmm ok... I was ready to argue, and then I thought, what if I just let go of control?  What if I just agree?

So, I did... I thanked him for doing it better, and I told him that I appreciated him.  And the thing is, I meant it too.  Sometimes sincerity works. And sometimes we don't have to try to control everything.  

No argument, he felt good, I felt good. We moved on... nice...

The dress...

 

 I wore this dress (stock photo, that's not me!) to my son's wedding in May of 2020, just after COVID started.  I bought the dress in January, not knowing what was coming!  As luck would have it, this beautiful dress appeared in my "ads," no doubt thanks to the cookies that follow us all over the Internet!  WAY to go, COOKIES!  My dream dress was purple less and VOILA!  ASK, and the Cookies delivered!

I almost didn't get to wear it because the kids were going to postpone the wedding and then decided to have a smaller casual wedding, no fancy clothes.  BUT at the last minute, they decided she would wear her beautiful wedding dress, and we would wear our gowns.  I was thrilled!  I loved this dress and was so happy to wear it.  I felt like a princess too that day!  It was an amazing COVID wedding and an amazing day watching my son marry his High School sweetheart!

Of course, I washed it after the wedding and hung it up in my closet, unsure what to do with it.  It's not like I have tons of occasions that call for a long flowy dress!  I was thinking lately that it would be great to donate it to a girl who needed a dress for her PROM.  LOW and BEHOLD, I came across a Facebook post of an organization that matches girls who can't afford a dress to a donated gown, and she was the right size for this dress!  I immediately messaged them, and the dress is being picked up today!  It makes me so happy to know that my pretty dress will serve another good purpose!

I will miss you, pretty dress, but thank you for making me feel like a Princess, and please make your next recipient feel that way too! 💜

 I took this picture on the night of the full moon on April 26.  It was an amazing moon, and I was even more amazed that my camera caught such a beautiful photo!  Of course, I immediately thought about this poem.  I LOVE this poem so much!

Desiderata

GO PLACIDLY amid the noise and the haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

By Max Ehrmann © 1927