Tag: difficulty

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Obstacles

I am often struck by the sight of a tree that has grown over, through, and around a wire fence or other obstacle. Someone’s put up a fence and a tree that was either already there or has since sprung up has continued to grow in spite of the obstacle. That tree, determined to grow and evolve from seed to sapling to towering, thick-trunked being, has gone about its business and kept right on growing. I feel bad for the tree, but I admire its silent determination.

“If seeds saw dirt as their enemy, they would lose out on the opportunity to grow.” Matshona Dhliwayo

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The tree has, in a way, made that bit of fence a part of itself just as obstacles, faced and overcome, become parts of us. While the fence is most likely not good for the tree, the tree appears to be thriving in spite of it, just as we, too, are usually able to do. Think about it. You can probably name a few difficult things you’ve overcome. You likely haven’t forgotten them. You might be reminded of them every single day. Or you may still be working on them. Maybe they’re buried somewhere inside your being. In any case, they have probably changed you in some ways, possibly even for the better. And here you still are. You are the beautiful, imperfect you that you are because of all the people, things, and situations–good or bad–that you’ve encountered in life.

“If a flower perseveres through concrete, you can persevere through anything.”

― Matshona Dhliwayo

NM980 Fierce

If you’re looking for my cards or art, you’ll find all of that on my website. And if you like this letter, you’ll find past letters and poems on my blog.

It’s nice for me to think of you out there, reading this. Whatever our obstacles are right now, and there are certainly many, I hope we all find ways to rise above and grow in spite of them, just like all those noble trees.

Thanks for listening,
Kay

P.S. MerryThoughts is the name of my first book, out of print at the moment. The word is a British one, referring both to a wishbone and to the ritual of breaking the wishbone with the intention of either having a wish granted or being the one who marries first, thus the “merry thoughts.”

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A Bright New Year

I know that many people are anxious to put 2020 behind them. But I never want to trash a whole year–and aren’t there always good things about any year you’ve lived through? I’ll just answer for you–yes. Even so, I do love celebrating the start of a new one.

A new year offers the chance to make grand plans, set good intentions and move forward. To be the best version of yourself. To embrace the perfect, true Self that Deepak Chopra says we all possess, that can never be altered or broken. January, set in the cold dark winter, is, for me, energizing and full of promise.

“And now let us believe in a long year that is given to us, new, untouched, full of things that have never been.”

Rainer Maria Rilke

So first, on New Year’s Eve I like to consider what I want to leave behind before starting a new year. These have to be things that I have the power to leave behind, like my attitude about something, a habit or way of thinking that doesn’t serve me well, or hurts and slights that I haven’t let go of. Sometimes I write them on pieces of paper and burn them, for good measure.

And then on New Year’s Day I write New Year’s Resolutions. Always. This year I’m going to take one thing I’ve learned from 2020 and build on it. Let’s all do it!

Pick out one particular difficulty, one frailty you’ve struggled with, one aspect of the year that was particularly trying. Then use it as a new way of seeing who you are, a discovery, or a new direction. And instead of hoping to be rid of it, how about embracing it and making it your biggest ally in 2021? If you struggled with loneliness, for example, you could see that as your capacity for loving people. This is a strength. Make it a goal to connect with people in new ways, whether you can be with them or not. Celebrate this gift–your love of others–and connect in creative, new, original ways.

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

Mary Oliver

This card, Life Well Lived, expresses a wish I have for all of us.

If you’re looking for my cards or art, you’ll find all of that on my website. And if you like this letter, you’ll find past letters and poems here.

It’s nice for me to think of you out there, reading this. I know that your one difficulty will turn out to be a great strength in 2021.

Thanks for listening,
Kay

P.S. MerryThoughts is the name of my first book, out of print at the moment. The word is a British one, referring both to a wishbone and to the ritual of breaking the wishbone with the intention of either having a wish granted or being the one who marries first, thus the “merry thoughts.”