If you look into this cut tree, you can see spirals. The circles of this tree’s life, from beginning to end. Some show hard years with little growth, others prosperous and rich. This stump is a good metaphor for my life and some of the lessons I learned last weekend.
I attended (and helped coordinate) an inspiring workshop on Designing a Life with Lauralee Alben. Getting to the workshop was stressful. The preparation work involved, from shopping to copying, left me depleted. The process of the week caused me to fall in to old patterns I strive to stay away from: skipping exercise, sleeping too little, worrying, and rush rush rushing (remember what my New Year’s Resolutions were?).
But, as it would turn out, this was precisely the lesson I needed at the exact right moment. The main lesson I walked away with is that I don’t have to do everything and that I’m not holding the world alone on my shoulders. I choose to make myself a martyr. If I had not been so exhausted, I might not have heard this lesson.
Coming off this weekend I felt a tremendous weight lifted off my shoulders and experienced the feeling of lightness, almost joy. On Friday, all I felt was a heavy pile of work to do and no way to get out from under it. I had come so far in 48 hours.
This week, so far even more jam-packed than the last, has challenged the lessons I learned, but I breathe and try to remember that I can ask for help and that the world is a shared responsibility, not mine alone.
Lastly, I must share my life intention (as written this weekend): How can I inspire others to find self worth? The answer will develop over time.
Michele is right, you write as well as Laura! I love your
subject matter as it is always profound. I thought you must
be running, running as we had not seen or heard anything from you. Big birthday plans for this weekend! Or is he
working! Love you both
Comment by Gram — February 2, 2007 @ 2:03 pm
Actually, Laura was a significant part of my English/Writing education, so it’s no wonder we might write similarly. But I take that as a compliment, so thank you!
Mike is working today but off tomorrow, on his actual birthday. We went out for a fabulous dinner last night with his folks and Sunday morning Dad is making Mike eggs benedict. After brunch, we’ll wander over to Brittania Arms pub for the Superbowl and Mike’s favorite beverage–a well poured Guinness. That’s all he wanted for his birthday!
Comment by westi — February 3, 2007 @ 8:47 pm
Optimistic birthday…
I had a birthday realization. I’ve been thinking of myself as aging and frumpy.
So for my birthday, I’m starting a small personal campaign to change that aspect of my self-image. I started by weeding out a bunch of old shabby clothes I̵…
Trackback by Jessibird — February 7, 2007 @ 10:19 am
What a great wish for your birthday Jessi! And an easily acheivable one too since you are wonderful and lovely! I’m here to support you anytime you need a smile, an idea, or anything else that will make you feel closer to your birthday wish. =)
Comment by westi — February 7, 2007 @ 8:00 pm
[...] also finding some inspiration in my fellow blogger’s onward and upward trend. You go [...]
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