Sunset in the Shallows

Learning to be comfortable in my own skin, to be simply me, has been a process. As a child I was a daughter, sister, cousin, student, etc. My identity was defined by my relationships and activities. Fast forward to my twenties. I became wife, mother, minister, etc. Again my identity was in my relationships and activities. Later in life I morphed into grandmother, teacher, artist, etc. Each relationship and activity served to shape me into the woman I am today.

That said, when I began my journey of self-discovery, I felt very alone. Duped by the paths of good I had chosen over time. Angry and blaming anyone I could think of. Perhaps I did a little individuating in my early 50's (something more appropriate to the teen years). Necessary steps toward maturity taken late, but I began with baby steps to take responsibility for my own life. Choices for joy. Peace. Creativity.

I had to learn to walk my life alone. Of course I still have relationships and activities, but they no longer define my sum total. I have looked into the abyss and seen that my God goes with me. I am not alone when I am alone.

Dear Ones, we may not always enjoy all the parts of our lives all the time, but we always have choices. That is both our greatest gift and can be our deepest grief. So take the next 24 hours and evaluate your choices past and present. Then turn them over and choose again. I know you will know what to do. You have that in you.

And I love you. Bunches.