Freedom of Voice

I am not an overly sentimental or sappy person. But, this quote from a video poem by Sandra Beasley, "The Story," shared by my friend and fellow writing circle member, Helen, got me feeling all gushy: I As soon as I read it, I thought of John and me. Maybe it's because our 25th wedding anniversary is coming up Wednesday. I'm guessing that's it. Lately I've felt this rekindling of early relationship phase feelings. Five years ago on our 20th anniversary, I presented John with a platinum wedding band (to replace his original since he had replaced my original 5 years earlier). He knew he was getting it because I wanted to make sure he loved it before I had it engraved. I looked up our favorite song lyrics. I hemmed and hawed over what small phrase to have permanently etched on the inner circle of the band. And, then, when I wasn't hemming or hawing at all, it came to me: 20 to life. It's so "us."  We had joked around about serving li...

If my skull had a hinge and you dared open it at the moment, you would be buried in an explosion of unfinished business, looming unknowns, unfounded fears, and endless "to do's." That's where I am today. And, I know I am not alone. So, here's a little poem for anyone at the base of a snow-covered mountain, waiting for the avalanche to bury her: To Do Do cut yourself some slack, woman      even as your list of responsibilities and tasks explodes,           especially when you feel incapable and overwhelmed. Say to yourself, "I'm capable." Say to yourself, "I'm worthy." Say to yourself, "I'm strong." Do allow yourself time to breath, lady      even when you're breathless from the demands of life,           especially when you feel like your breath seems to be running out. Tell yourself, "I got this." Tell yourself, "It's temporary." Tell yourself, "Just breathe." ...

"Life isn't linear, people aren't linear, and so we do ourselves a huge disservice when our expectations are linear." Carolyn Hax (columnist for The Washington Post) I saw this ingenious statement while reading an advice column this morning. And, I haven't stopped thinking about it, probably because it's so applicable to life. Every part of life.  Relationships with ourselves and others, decisions we make, hurdles we run up against, unexpected events, etc.  I remember when I was young, particularly in church youth group, people using the term "straight and narrow" when speaking of the path one should choose. Upon doing a little research, I found that this idiom is most likely an allusion to Matthew 7:14: "strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life." It implies that there is just one path to take; one road to follow; one way to reach a destination.   In theory, it's a great idea.  In practice, ...