Some of What I Have Learned This Year

I am writing from the walk in clinic, where I am accompanying someone I love. We are not considered “urgent” and so we might be here for a while.

Looking around, I see so many variations on the theme of what can go sideways with our bodies. I feel some angst in the air, too. Some helplessness.

It’s the day after Christmas, two days away from my birthday and almost at the revolving door that will take us into a new year.

It has been such a big one for me and for many others. A year of lessons, of stretching, of getting better acquainted with our hearts and with ourselves

I feel the need to list the things I have learned in the past twelve months. There is something about letting things move from our minds towards the paper - or the keyboard - that anchors them, makes them somehow more substantial and better partners for a conversation.

I will start and see what shows up.

Here goes.

• I have learned that during our “active years” is the time to sow the seeds that may bloom into bouquets of love which will allow others to want to care for us when we need it. Not from duty or guilt, but from love. That’s very different.
• I have learned that while my heart may crack over and over again, it is strong and will mostly heal, dust off its hands and get out into the world again.
• I have learned that there is pretty much always something we can do to make someone’s day easier.
• I have learned that deep, important conversations can be had with strangers in strange lands, even if we are to never see them again.
• I have learned that Generosity of Spirit is its own animal and one which I am deeply attracted to.
• I have learned that I grow easily tired from being around ongoing joking and deflecting and words that take space without adding ... something.
  
• I have learned that I am not near as organized or techno savvy as I thought I was.
• I have learned that I love surrounding myself with people who know more than I do, and are willing to teach me,
• I have learned that there is no substitute for deep, safe friendships.
• I have learned that joyous feasts can be had in tiny, messy kitchens, regardless of whether everyone speaks the same language or not.
• I have learned that there are times for traveling and exploring the world and times for staying home and exploring books and our own hearts.
• I have learned that I have so much more to learn.

Life is rich and being its student is not much of an option. I do feel that showing up for class with our pencil sharpened and our minds and hearts ready to learn just makes it more exciting.

Today, I invite you to write your own list. Just like I did I suggest you allow it to be in no particular order of importance or chronology.

And I wish you a loving and rich New Year - away from the walk in clinic if you can.