Part of my inspiration for this blog comes from the writings of a young man a third my age, but seemingly with twice my wisdom. He does however solidly reflect the wisdom of his father, who's a dear friend. This young man wrote, "I want my writing to continue to be accessible to anyone who dares read it, and to touch on memories and emotions we've all felt, but just dismissed as too mundane to bother dwelling on or talking about."
His words stung my eyes on their way to my heart. How often do we think what we're feeling has little or no value to others? And yet isn't it in the sharing of our emotions that we step out from behind our masks to reveal our humanity? We have common experiences that lead to common feelings that when identified can bring that sense of connection we all long to feel. This "band of brothers" feeling is the bond that links us to one another and gives us a sense of community and belonging that meets one of our deepest needs. I'm not trying to wax philosophical or psychological, but rather to identify the reason for opening my own experiences up to a public forum.
It has been helpful to me in recent years to listen to the stories of those who have traversed the wilderness of grief. As I mentioned in my first post, our experiences become not only the markers in our own lives, but also the guideposts for others who hear our stories and learn our lessons. There is much in life that comes at us without warning or instruction. We are catapulted into the middle of events that quickly overtake our lives long before we feel prepared to handle them. Events such as illness, loss of job, aging parents, and even death. And beyond the catastrophes is the daily living which seems so mundane, but still may require solutions we feel unprepared to make. How do I respond to the 20 year old who still lives at home but wants to be out all night? I'm losing sleep here. Who gets to rule the roost at this stage? Is it even about "ruling the roost?"
As I search to find meaning and give voice to my experiences, I am open to the possibility that what comes back will continue opening my eyes to the world around me. And so it is that I'm setting out to share the memories and emotions I've felt, inspired by a young man I've not met but feel a strong connection with. I hope his words inspire you as well.
His words stung my eyes on their way to my heart. How often do we think what we're feeling has little or no value to others? And yet isn't it in the sharing of our emotions that we step out from behind our masks to reveal our humanity? We have common experiences that lead to common feelings that when identified can bring that sense of connection we all long to feel. This "band of brothers" feeling is the bond that links us to one another and gives us a sense of community and belonging that meets one of our deepest needs. I'm not trying to wax philosophical or psychological, but rather to identify the reason for opening my own experiences up to a public forum.
It has been helpful to me in recent years to listen to the stories of those who have traversed the wilderness of grief. As I mentioned in my first post, our experiences become not only the markers in our own lives, but also the guideposts for others who hear our stories and learn our lessons. There is much in life that comes at us without warning or instruction. We are catapulted into the middle of events that quickly overtake our lives long before we feel prepared to handle them. Events such as illness, loss of job, aging parents, and even death. And beyond the catastrophes is the daily living which seems so mundane, but still may require solutions we feel unprepared to make. How do I respond to the 20 year old who still lives at home but wants to be out all night? I'm losing sleep here. Who gets to rule the roost at this stage? Is it even about "ruling the roost?"
As I search to find meaning and give voice to my experiences, I am open to the possibility that what comes back will continue opening my eyes to the world around me. And so it is that I'm setting out to share the memories and emotions I've felt, inspired by a young man I've not met but feel a strong connection with. I hope his words inspire you as well.