Ahh, it's clear you're writing about a very special time, I could feel the joy behind your words! You really managed to use every sense to describe the experience: sight, smell, taste, touch, sound. Such a visceral telling of a wholesome collection of memories! I especially loved the details about your purple-stained fingertips and the book you read every year as part of the tradition.
I don't know that such feelings can be controlled, either, or that they should be. Uncertainty is as much a part of life as the love and death you also speak of (which reminds me of that one quote, something like, "The only certainty in life is uncertainty," or "The only constant is change.") Uncertainty breeds insecurity and self-doubt, which hampers our greatest efforts to live in the moment, really live, but creativity and inner strength and determination are also born of that doubt. We're all just scrambling around trying to find our purpose, and that scramble has the power to produce the very best qualities in us, just as it can those more negative ones, simultaneously. If you have a questioning mind, please don't tamp it, or your emotions either! Change is always on its way, even if adversity accompanies it -- and it will allow you to blossom. :)
I feel like the theme of this piece can be summed up in your last words, "...make room for new growth." And that brings a smile to my face, as I consider my own resolutions. What I really appreciate about this is the subversion of your OWN expectations, or past ones anyway -- subverted by a newfound wisdom you clearly possess, that has allowed you to transform very commendable but ultimately unattainable goals into healthy and achievable ones that will bring you more happiness. Rock on in your New Year, may it be filled with much self-care and self-love!
Goreous writing. It’s so well written, so evocative of what we’re all experiencing, it’s almost hurts to read. I’ve never really loved free verse, thought it was hard to write it in a way that was more than just prose with extra paragraph breaks, but you write it so effectively. The examples you give of people affected is so heart wrenching. Keep writing, hope you’re doing okay. We are not alone.
I loved reading this list of strong affirmations -- not just goals, but positive reinforcements for personal growth. Especially "because I've been okay before." Yes! This gave me my own dose of courage for the year ahead of us, thank you. (And, you got this! Have fun on your travels!)
One of my New Year's resolutions is to start a gratitude journal! I'm so happy it's helped you notice the little things; that's what I'm hoping for too.
Ahh, it's clear you're writing about a very special time, I could feel the joy behind your words! You really managed to use every sense to describe the experience: sight, smell, taste, touch, sound. Such a visceral telling of a wholesome collection of memories! I especially loved the details about your purple-stained fingertips and the book you read every year as part of the tradition.
I don't know that such feelings can be controlled, either, or that they should be. Uncertainty is as much a part of life as the love and death you also speak of (which reminds me of that one quote, something like, "The only certainty in life is uncertainty," or "The only constant is change.") Uncertainty breeds insecurity and self-doubt, which hampers our greatest efforts to live in the moment, really live, but creativity and inner strength and determination are also born of that doubt. We're all just scrambling around trying to find our purpose, and that scramble has the power to produce the very best qualities in us, just as it can those more negative ones, simultaneously. If you have a questioning mind, please don't tamp it, or your emotions either! Change is always on its way, even if adversity accompanies it -- and it will allow you to blossom. :)
I feel like the theme of this piece can be summed up in your last words, "...make room for new growth." And that brings a smile to my face, as I consider my own resolutions. What I really appreciate about this is the subversion of your OWN expectations, or past ones anyway -- subverted by a newfound wisdom you clearly possess, that has allowed you to transform very commendable but ultimately unattainable goals into healthy and achievable ones that will bring you more happiness. Rock on in your New Year, may it be filled with much self-care and self-love!
You are not alone. We will make it through this year, as terrifying as it is. Keep writing, keep hoping.
Goreous writing. It’s so well written, so evocative of what we’re all experiencing, it’s almost hurts to read. I’ve never really loved free verse, thought it was hard to write it in a way that was more than just prose with extra paragraph breaks, but you write it so effectively. The examples you give of people affected is so heart wrenching. Keep writing, hope you’re doing okay. We are not alone.
This was in Paris!
Wow, what city was this in? That must've been a blast! I'd love to hear about your NYE experience!
I loved reading this list of strong affirmations -- not just goals, but positive reinforcements for personal growth. Especially "because I've been okay before." Yes! This gave me my own dose of courage for the year ahead of us, thank you. (And, you got this! Have fun on your travels!)
One of my New Year's resolutions is to start a gratitude journal! I'm so happy it's helped you notice the little things; that's what I'm hoping for too.
That's awesome we really need some good people like that