I’m stepping out from wooded shadows and into the bright arrival of a fresh day. Beyond the forest, rugged trees give way to a clearing as I walk beside new possibilities. Along the path, I gather tattered pieces from seasons past to place with care upon the mantle. And to my surprise, what I discover resting nestled and preserved, are scattered dreams now recollected, their colors vibrantly reminding amid the slender pines. Entwined with twigs and fallen needles, I find childhood dreams that have lost their way, I uncover wild dreams yet unbroken, and dreams that used to keep me up at night, still restless and alive. Now is the time I pick them up, dust them off and let them breathe into a wider opening. Let their pulse race free with promise. Let them blend with each morning’s faithful light.
WALKING BESIDE POSSIBILITIES and calling them into existence…
Welcome springtime into your life. Honor your soul. Allow one long-lost desire to rise from the slumbering soil and stretch open in the airy sunlight.
How might you want that to appear for you? How would you wish to christen one little nestled possibility into actualization?
Our possibilities can be looked at as our unborn interests and sometimes can seem insignificant when we judge them as such. But did you know the interests you hold inside are wonderfully preserved seeds capable of aliveness? We are the sons and daughters of carpenters, artisans, creatives and artists. It’s in our blood to bring forth our interests to be beautifully woven into humanity’s Tapestry of Hope.
It's true, some of our possibilities can feel thwarted and stunted, blocked or impeded by heartbreak and circumstance and in need of attentive eyes to view them with love.
Our possibilities can also offer healing. The dreams you birthed in childhood, but were interrupted by trauma or strife or faded by disappointments, can be called back to grant a level of restoration and healing. If you feel inclined, you can recreate a fresh childhood after your sense of self had been impaired. It is now possible for You to become the powerful author of The New Declaration of Self-Worth & Validation by rewriting your past internalized beliefs. Thoughts like, I’ll never be good enough for anyone to love can be framed as I AM deserving of patience, consideration and loving connections. Like a thriving, blossoming vine, your declaration can grow to cover the walls of your reality.
Follow the scent of nourishing, lighthearted pursuits in the waiting — pursuits that have been quietly hoping to flourish and be as real as daylight. Pursuits that needn’t set the world itself on fire, but smolder like sweet passion within. It can look like slowing down or offering room to start from scratch, or being with your creativity, and even listening to your heart more often. And when you’re listening, what is your heart telling you to do with this life?
Clear out the unwanted clutter of what the Past is spilling into your Present. Something seemingly small yet bold can be the act of liberating yourself from old words spoken by someone who felt powerless, yet their acidic intention somehow broke into your spirit and spoiled into resentment. My dear brother once told me, often the sweetest revenge is going on to live a happy life. You can start carving out contentment and filling the space with personal activities that bring joy and gratification. Ancestry, writing, taking photos, caring for a pet, day travels, and pastimes, hobbies, and individual interests are honorable callings just as meaningful as the callings which can carry a tendency of feeling dutiful.
The Fresh Air of Sweet Validation…
To exist means to occupy both space and time. As humans, it’s normal to want our exitance validated by other people to the extent they not only need to confirm we are here, but we are worthy of being here. We then push forward by being effective, complete and meaningful. But did you know you’re already filled with relevance just by being here, significantly whole?
And because it’s human to want validation of your existence, simply doing one special personal gesture each day is also a notable way to affirm your own presence, pronouncing a deserved sweetness to your life.
On this late day of winter, under the glow of twilight— in a field yet scattered with patches of softening snow—I stood reflecting in harmony with the evening’s luminous hues.
As I become older, I learn more and grow further.
I can look within myself just as profoundly as when I gaze into a night replete with intricate cluster, yet discover spaces sprawling out before me, still and waiting to be explored.
Within us, below the complicated surface and delving into the unseen, there is an expanse of open land calling out in quiet mystery.
And this ground does not fade with time nor lay endlessly frozen, but holds within its enriching soil, a taste of many springs to come.
Dear Reader,
Thank you for dropping by to read a few lines from Writing That Changes You. In case you hadn’t noticed, I’ve been moving at a slower pace. Several weeks ago, I could no longer ignore the symptoms of a hypertensive crisis in which long periods of high blood pressure had caused left atrial enlargement. Late one evening, I asked my husband Jeff to drive me to the hospital where I was given rapid care. I’m thankful I was soon seeing an attuned, wonderful cardiologist in the same hospital. I’m currently managing my blood pressure, and finally much of the discomfort has dissipated. I’m still experiencing tiredness and breathlessness, so I have been taking it slowly and carefully as I recover. There are still a couple more tests scheduled this spring. Although I want to run again and do so many activates, I must allow the season to hold me in grace until I’m stronger.
Once again, I want to remind you how much I appreciate your presence. Please feel welcome to leave a comment and respond to one another’s comments. Also, check out Substack writer John Hardman, whose newsletters and articles are always an interesting read.
If you don’t already, take great care of your heart.
With love, care and kindness,
Susan
Sending you healing thoughts. Your words are so precious and necessary to so many, but please take the time to heal.
Thank you for going deep. Praying for your recovery and healing.