Community of Change

I entered the wilderness of transition without a clue, but with a life coach who had both knowledge and understanding of the process. Transitions are challenging times in our lives when, whether by choice or by chance, we enter a period of bewilderment waiting for a new beginning to take shape in our lives. We know for certain that it can no longer be the way it was. A chapter has closed, or is very near the end, and we have nothing in our sights to instill the confidence necessary that we will ever have anything again. We wander, we circle, we wait. What's happening? Nothing!

What can happen in our wildernesses, if we allow it, is community. Whether we quote the bible that it's not good to be alone or Barbra Striesand that people needing people are the luckiest people in the world, it's true. We need one another to make it through the night, the day and the wilderness.

When I look at those I've met in the process of building a new life, I realize how fortunate I am to be surrounded by people who care, encourage, challenge and support me. I have friends, tried and true, who've been part of my life for many years. I've also made new friends from the liminal groups in which I've participated. With each there is a sense of destiny as we come together and connect, at least for a season.

And now I'm discovering the blog community. What wonderful, creative, inspiring people inhabit the world of the blogs I've visited. What encourages me is the sense of connection and community I feel when I meet new people, whether online or in person. Left to the "news" accounts, the world is a scary, hostile place to be. But the people I'm seeing are caring and encouraging, reminding me that life really is about the people we allow into our lives to share the moments, whether briefly or for years to come. The scary places lose their power when we are surrounded by friends.

Hello, friends! I'm so glad to meet you.

Soar

My word for 2009 is Soar. I found this great picture (posted below because I didn't know how to include it here) It was taken in Maine where I spent my childhood, but I know Old Orchard Beach, so it has memory as well as direction. However, I have no idea what I'm doing when I try to add various items to my blog, so I have this large picture and no way to control it ... Ok, that sounds like my life! I often see the big picture - my dreams - but then I don't know what to do to achieve them or even what steps to take to get started. And so like this picture, they speak to my heart and beckon me, but I just talk about it and seldom actually accomplish what I say I want to do. Step one is learning more about the "gadgets" I try to post. There are many lessons to be learned here.

For now, I think I'll just soar without obligation and check out the sights; but keep my eyes open for the next step. I know it's out there. And I do have a bird's eye view!

Blogging Without Obligation

Did you notice the logo on the left - Blogging Without Obligation? What a concept! I came across a comment in another blog relating to this and it really does set the captives free! The author created the logo (and allows anyone to use it) after noticing how often bloggers apologize for not having blogged recently or consistently. The pressure to perform only makes us slaves to our blogs, not writers looking for avenues of joyful expression. If all I think about is what to say or how long since I've said anything, suddenly I find I have nothing to say!

Ah, the exhilaration of freedom...a highly prized value. As I said earlier, blogging is giving me a chance to grow and learn and develop my writing skills. If I have to worry about how fast, how soon or how well I'm doing it, then I've defeated my primary purpose. I appreciate the release that blogging without obligation brings. And I extend it to you as well, dear reader. Come and go at your leisure. Enjoy the moment and live the mystery -- did she blog today?

No Resolutions

It's not my intention to begin the new year with a list of "shoulds!" I found this quote from American journalist, Ellen Goodman - We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential.

This year holds potential and possibility and I desire to take advantage of their opportunities. Potential may not always look neat, tidy and practical. I want to discover the passionate potential that exists in me. Two quotes from Soren Kirkegaard resonate:

If I were to wish for anything, I should not wish for wealth and power, but for the passionate sense of potential - for the eye which, ever young and ardent, sees the possible. Pleasure disappoints; possibility never.

It is very dangerous to go into eternity with possibilities which one has oneself prevented from becoming realities. A possibility is a hint from God. One must follow it.

My intention for the year is to take a hint from God and follow it. Care to join me?