Reflections about Changes

Carol A. Hand

Greeting the morning earlier than usual
after awakening to the rumbling clouds
The alley behind my house is filled with “tooting” puddles
reminding me of my granddaughter’s laughter
Now, she might be too grown up
to notice puddles with delight
but perhaps she’s not yet too old to remember

Ah, changes
I have lived through so many in my life
Changing people, places, jobs, responsibilities,
sometimes alone as I am now, and sometimes with partners
My changing house reminds me of a common thread
connecting this long, winding journey

*

My house before I arrived in the fall of 2011
My house in September 2012 (screen shot of Google posting)

*

No accomplishment, job, relationship, or living situation
is quite what we expected or hoped it would be
The one constant connecting them all is change
The ways we respond to “success,” loss, and disappointment
tell a story about who we really are

Each place I have travelled, I tried my best
to learn how to be present in the moment
breathing new possibilities into being
despite knowing that nothing is permanent
except change
and, perhaps, the memories of what could be

*

June 17, 2019
June 24, 2019

*

Sometimes, unexpected gifts help us remember why we are here  – now – in such chaotic, troubling times

“It is hard to say which one of the current egregious matters has rocked people’s worlds and beliefs more. Ours is a time of almost daily jaw-dropping astonishment and often righteous rage over the latest degradations of what matters most to civilized, visionary people.

“…You are right in your assessments. The lustre and hubris some have aspired to while endorsing acts so heinous against children, elders, everyday people, the poor, the unguarded, the helpless, is breathtaking.

“Yet … I urge you, ask you, gentle you, to please not spend your spirit dry by bewailing these difficult times. Especially do not lose hope. Most particularly because, the fact is – we were made for these times.

“Yes. For years, we have been learning, practicing, been in training for and just waiting to meet on this exact plain of engagement. I cannot tell you often enough that we are definitely the leaders we have been waiting for, and that we have been raised, since childhood, for this time precisely” (Clarissa Pinkola Estés)

Work Cited

Clarissa Pinkola Estés (2001, 2016). Do Not Lose Heart, We Were Made for These Times. Available from http://depthpsychotherapy.net/index_htm_files/Do%20Not%20Lose%20Hope.pdf

 

 

24 thoughts on “Reflections about Changes”

  1. Wonderful encouraging reflections,dear Carol! Thank you! Your posts always send Hope & joy into the world! Your house is wonderful….however haven’t you thought to make a more beautiful gates? It would add solemnity to your dwelling. Greetings to Quennie! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much for your kind and lovely comments, dear Maria. ❤

      It's funny you should ask about the gate! Just yesterday, I was contemplating arched arbors and wondering if that would work for the front gate. I'm still undecided because I need to do something to raise the front sidewalk first because, like the rest of my front yard, it floods in the spring…

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Such kind and lovely comments, David. Chi miigwetch. On one of the many days I was wishing these were easier times, a clear thought (memory?) passed through my mind that I chose to here here, now, so it was wisest to make the best of it. I’m not sure about the “dignity” I bring to the task, and whatever grace is something that merely passes through me. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Wow!
    What a revival of hope for me, Carol! Each day it feels like such an assault…personally and for humanity!
    I love the idea…the quote…and I love how your home has evolved. Yes…change…the one true constant. The more we resist the less peace in our hearts.
    Wishing you love and peace beyond measure! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much for such kind and delightful comments, Lorrie. ❤

      (A friend sent me a copy of the article that the quote is drawn from. There's a link to the full article at the end in "works cited." I think you would really like it!)

      Like

  5. Powerful reflections coupled with wise words from Dr. E. The evolution of your home inspires my belief that our collective evolution is beautiful, even with all of the pain and darkness. The light still shines. Indeed, we were made for these times. 🌞

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s so delightful to hear from you, Tori, and a gift to catch up a little with your wonderful blog. Thank you so much for your visit and lovely comments! Sending my best wishes to you. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  10. A beautiful post and great quote from Clarissa Pinkola Estés. We will experience change. We can either endure it, or we can guide it, and that is a constant choice while this life lasts.

    Liked by 1 person

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