The past 3 years have been wave after wave of painful loss and grief. As if that wasn’t enough, this year a tsunami hit my life and loved ones around me with breath-taking suddenness and we are still picking up after its aftermath.
Yet, still I stand.
I stand, not only because of any special unique abilities and qualities I may, or may not, possess. I recognize that I am still standing and able to carry on because of the support and encouragement of loved ones, family, friends-new and old, and sometimes strangers who I will never see again. I am grateful for each prayer prayed, each word of blessing uttered, each meal cooked for us which nourished more than our bodies. I am grateful for calls, texts, voice notes, music, videos, quotes and sayings shared. Each and every act served to strengthen, hold up, lighten the load, and to keep going.
Many times, I was told how strong I was. But to be honest, that is not something I focused on. Instead, I went about doing what needed to be done.
When life throws you curve balls, it is then that you truly appreciate who is in your corner and what you have in your toolbox. I learned to say “yes” to help, a very difficult muscle for me to exercise. I learned that some tools in my box had become irrelevant, and yet others, I had to sharpen as required. I also learned that while I advocate self-care, I needed to practice it more than I preached it.
I love life with all its twists and turns; I’ve experienced moments seemingly small but holding great significance. Some days a simple breath in and out, is an act of more than being alive; a small step, feels like a giant leap. I continue to learn, to grow, to be. The storm clouds may continue to loom but I still hold on to my faith with gratitude and joy. Remember this, in each storm, identify your anchors, and know them well because they will serve you well. Journey on, and never forget, life can be beautiful, if you allow it.
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