We Are Alive

I would have loved to have shared this picture two years ago after it was taken. But, it was taken a few days before my life turned to turmoil and fast changes. I was working really hard at the time on my well being. It was lent and I was in Atlantic City by myself. That year I had to really find myself. I was mourning the loss of my mother. I was trying to figure out what direction to take as far as a job. I just did my taxes the other day. And, even though I only worked three months of 2021, last year I made just the same amount of money. I am thinking a lot about retiring. There are so many reasons I would love to have more time and not be so stressed. I have been making sure to take some paid time off this year, and each week it makes work more bearable. The one good thing it is making time fly by. But, as I am getting older, there are so many things I still want to attempt. I am afraid of too much time getting away from me. One of my favorite things I found through a friend on facebook is Maria Shriver's weekly essay. It comes to my email each week. It is called the Sunday Paper. I find I can relate to her. And, she always hits the nail on the head with something I am struggling with. But, this paragraph stood out. ( My year to Be 2023 ) : "Listening in and of itself is an art form. It takes patience. It requires us to be quiet, refrain from offering our two cents, and just be." I am also making sure the last two years I am feeling all of my feelings. Sounds, a little strange. But, during the last five years or so, I was paying attention to how much I was surpressing and repressing. And, that is my biggest stregnth. But, I know with going forward, I needed to face myself and deal with every single little thing to move forward. And, being alone, by myself and having lots of quiet time allows me to do that. I am looking forward to today, to get a lot more creative things done in my home. And, I am probably going to be going through pictures. But, they have been giving me more joy then grief lately. Especially, all that I am learning about my dad and his ancestors. Quote of the day: “Crying does not indicate that you are weak. Since birth, it has always been a sign that you are alive.” —Charlotte Brontë Song of the Day: We Are Alive Bruce Springsteen