Begin Again

Yesterday morning, while driving home from my PT appointment, I noticed the sunlight coming through the trees, highlighting the vibrant green new leaves that have begun to emerge.

Is there anything that spells spring and new beginnings more clearly than the bright, translucent new leaves in early spring? I don’t think there is.

I decided to go back, walk among these trees, and take photos of them to share with you. One of them is right above.

It’s been a while since I felt motivated to publish a blog post or a newsletter. The chaotic energy of our days and the tsunami of bad news coming our way daily have made me pause and think about what I want to write and share that can be helpful.

I continued to work with individual clients and lead the Monthly Gatherings, but I couldn’t think past that, and my creativity lay dormant. There come times when this is necessary for all of us. It’s hard to go on with business as usual when we find ourselves navigating stormy weather.

Yesterday’s drive and those glowing, sun-bathed trees were gifts for me, as was Michael Meade’s quote that I am sharing below.

I was reminded how each day is an invitation to begin again, right where I stand. And, this time, I was ready to hear the invitation.

Our job is not to comprehend or control everything, but to learn which story we are in and which of the many things calling out in the world is calling to us.
Our job is to be fully alive in the life we have, to pick up the invisible thread of our own story and follow where it leads.

MIchael Meade

Yes, the world affairs are still spiraling out of control, and a good man and spiritual leader to many, who once said, “We all have the duty to do good,” passed away this week. War on multiple fronts rages on.

There was an earthquake in Turkey, wildfires raging along the Garden State Parkway, and yet another school shooting. And, this is just a sample of what keeps me up at night.

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How do I honor each day’s invitation then?

How do I lift myself from under the heavy blanket of whatever is going on and find the inspiration and strength to see the good and amplify it?

How do I stay engaged without losing my balance and burning out?

What is my contribution?

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These are some of the questions that I grapple with. I am sure you have your own questions and dilemmas, too, and I would love to hear about them.

We each have to answer these questions for ourselves, develop coping strategies, and plan our course according to our priorities and values.

Today, I look around and see how the daffodils and forsythias are showing up in full glory. Our resilient magnolia in the backyard is in full bloom.  The dandelions and violets are spreading their joy, and the birds have begun to wake me up every morning with their song, announcing the new day and inviting me to begin again.

I want to practice being “fully alive in the life I have, to pick up the invisible thread of my own story and follow where it leads.”

I begin by grounding myself in this new day and move forward with what I need to do. I remain open and willing to help where I can. I will manage the tsunami of daily news, care for what is mine, and try to maintain my perspective.

What about you?

What holds you back and what moves you forward? What supports and sustains you?

Are there any changes that call to you these days?

What does “begin again” mean to you?

If you want, scroll down and share your thoughts in the comments, or send me a message.

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As always, thank you for being here and reading along.

Y.