A dear blog friend has been given the news we all dread and she is brave and honest as to how she is accepting this. I've known a few, far too few, like her. Most run for cover or under the covers. I honestly don't know how I would be in such circumstances. Frightened for sure. In massive denial? I don't know. Bargaining perhaps. Rageful. Grim. Dramatic. I just don't know.
All I know is I am grateful I have her in my life because she has given me this gift of putting my own life under the microscope and evaluating how I am treating it.
Not well this year, I'm afraid. Until now. My procrastination (deliberate chaos creation) has been particularly rampant. So today, thanks to my friend, I am changing one small thing. This is what one does, I've learned: Change one small thing for the better.
So I resolved to spend at least 4 hours a day in the Tigeen - when it's not rented out. Up there above the trees and the blue bay, above the birds and the boats and with the cleanest air, there is no internet, no phone. Well I could bring up my mobile, but I didn't, I'm disconnected.
I\m currently working on the several delightful writing commissions I've been fortunate to get. Taking this break to take a photograph and write a blog post.
My espresso latte is in a flask. My blue pencils are sharpened. I can read aloud, loudly aloud as if on stage (and this feels like a huge stage) to myself – and to the dog.
And I'm re-introduced to my bliss.
Thank you, my dear friend.
In September 2004 the person who knew me best, "my person" I called her, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer [no, she never smoked]. We had little more than a year to talk about all the things that mattered. I'm grateful for that time but all these years later I miss her as much as ever....
ReplyDeleteSharon:
ReplyDeleteSome that go leave footprints on our hearts that never fade.
I'm so sorry about your friend.
XO
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Thank you, WWW. May your friend find comfort in friendship and know that even those who do not know her wish her strength and peace.
ReplyDeleteAcceptance, is not always easy, but it does help us to see things more clearly.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your bliss!
GM:
ReplyDeleteIf we can get there, I think it a fluid state ebbing and flowing.
Thanks. I will. :)
XO
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A wonderful thing you both have to be forewarned and to make the most of your time together, however that is managed.
ReplyDeleteI think that taking a break in the way you are can only be good for the soul.....enjoy.
You are welcome, my very dear friend. xox
ReplyDeleteSorry you have sad news of your friend but pleased you are making something positive from it.
ReplyDeletePamela:
ReplyDeleteSo few of us get any warning at all, really.
And if we do, it can be an enormous challenge.
How we handle it can be a shining light for others.
XO
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{{{{{Irene}}}}}
ReplyDeleteXO
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Cait:
ReplyDeleteI am completely inspired, it has really sharpened my senses.
XO
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News like that certainly makes you think about your own life and whether you're making the most of it. Your decision to spend more time in the Tigeen is good. I hope it's productive!
ReplyDeleteWe never know for whom the bell may toll. So essential to be aware of the life we have been given with all its struggles and joys. The Tigeen looks very beautiful, one of Nature's wonders. I love the idea of changing one small thing at a time ...Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGarden of Eden Blog
Nick:
ReplyDeleteIt certainly does. I wish I could live all my days with such awareness :)
XO
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Susan:
ReplyDeletethank you, yes it is a magical spot. I am committed to spending more time up there.
XO
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No, you wouldn’t run for the hills.
ReplyDeleteYou’d do what I did and what I. is doing: fight the bugger for all you’re worth.
All the same, realising that sooner or later there’ll be an end to our stay here, we might as well enjoy what we've got and concentrating on something fruitful and rewarding.
Friko:
ReplyDeleteI certainly hope I could emulate you Friko, I am a frightful wuss though and do hope I could hold my end up should the need arise.
Onward!
XO
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