The last year (or two) has been, shall we say, enlightening. Lots of loss in so many different ways. As I journey toward what I want my life to look like now, as I turn 63, with so much change, I felt drawn to the words of Henry David Thoreau. He knew how to do “simple.” I’ve been to the replica of his 10x15 cabin at Walden Woods in Concord Mass., and was moved by its extreme simplicity with only a desk, fireplace, bed, and three chairs. Imagine having a tiny home like that with only the things you absolutely need.
I am forever cleaning out my own home, letting go of things I no longer need, (in layers I think), things I may not have “needed” to begin with. However, I live with a partner who likes to keep his stuff. A lot of stuff. And sometimes my stuff, even when I try to let it go. So while I’m cleaning out, he’s saving. But I’ll save more on that for another post.
“Be resolutely and faithfully what you are; be humbly what you aspire to be…” writes Thoreau. “One should be always on the trail of one’s own deepest nature. For it is the fearless living out of your own essential nature that connects you to the Divine.”
That’s our journey, our call. To just be who we are in all our glorious imperfect splendor. Now what does that look like? That’s the real question. And in living that out, we grow closer to God. It seems only natural as he created us.
2022 held a barrage of loss beginning with the loss of my hearing more than once, navigating the bedlam that is Meniere's disease, closing my business, the loss of my brother, my niece, my Mom. Good grief! And it’s taken much of 2023 to begin to recover if we ever do recover from that kind of loss. Recovery is an ongoing process though isn’t it… So when the time was right, I found it interesting that the task of refreshing my website was something that I found enjoyable and dare I say, even fun. The creative process of just about anything can usually bring me joy. I’ll bet you find that true as well.
Perusing through thoughts from Mary Oliver, I discovered we had something in common, aside from our passion for writing poetry. She wrote, “I very much wished not to be noticed, and to be left alone.” Perhaps she and Thoreau might have been friends. I don’t know. My introverted self, “very much wished not to be noticed and to be left alone.” This journey we call life had worn me to a frazzle. As does the state of our world today, with so much heart-wrenching violence and unrest. It is hard to believe.
But it’s time to resurface. (see photo) I miss Mom every day but just as her life goes on in a new way, so does mine. With my desk wiped clear, and my manuscript open on my computer, I begin again to do that which is my essential nature. To write. And together with a beautiful little group of brilliant writer friends, we are working on our novels. They are so talented and have first drafts done and I’m not too far behind. Okay, that’s a stretch. They put me to shame with their passion and commitment but I’m finding my way. We support each other and laugh and share, critique and question, and all the things that make for great writing. They are a gift from beyond, and I’m so grateful to have them in my life.
We’ve all heard that question Mary Oliver asks in her poem The Summer Day…“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
I don’t have an answer just yet, but I’m spending time with the question. For now, I know I’m a writer, a very part-time Uber driver, artist, poet, spiritual soul, lover of the simple life, hearing-impaired mother, grandmother, sister, partner, and friend.
My website is simply a place to learn about what I'm up to if you’re interested, get a glimpse of some thoughts in a blog post, inspiration from a new photo, or some resources for writing, creativity, or spirituality. It's a pause to celebrate the writing life, contemplative spirituality, expressive arts, and simple living. Those are my passions. Join me on this adventure when you are inclined. Until next time…
Peace, welcome, and abundant blessings on this glorious autumn day,
Patty
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