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This is my first quarter in books, and reflecting on my days thus far.
The Books I Have Read:
- The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon
- Holes In The Sky by Patricia Polacco
- The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
- Knots On A Counting Rope by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault
- Great Granny by Ann Bryant & Barbara Szepesi Szucs
- Achieving A Dream by Jill Atkins & Alessia Trunfio
- The Yssis Papers: The Keys To The Colors by Dr. Frances Cress Welsing
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
- Not Now, Bernard by David McKee
- Benny's Hat by Juliet Clare Bell
Grief affects everybody differently. Sometimes your comfort with mortality simplifies death to a part of the life cycle that we expect. This knowledge makes you seem insensitive or avoidant to those who openly cry, retract, and require comfort.
Losses are as assured as gains through this journey. How prepared you are for either of them makes the difference in your experience through them and your reaction to them. In my case, numbness became inevitable. In the process, I had to detach myself from conversations and environments that would make me crumble instead of building the strength I needed to stand and walk.
I needed to build the strength in my legs to stand and walk because the unknowns ahead of me didn't have time or space for excuses. The falls which occurred gave me space to find my pieces, and the gradual rise reminded me of who I am. Beneath the layers is an artist, writer & poet who thrives on learning so she can share & reach others. And a bookworm who seeks entertainment and education.
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" This journey is bigger than me, so 'No' becomes a boundary my mind and body will thank me for."
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My first quarter in books is grief & time to reflect (Holes In The Sky; Benny's Hat), feeding my inner child (Knots On A Counting Rope; Great Granny; Achieving A Dream; The Very Hungry Caterpillar; Not Now, Bernard), the deep thinker's lounge (The Untethered Soul; The Yssis Papers), and education (The Bone Sparrow; The Yssis Papers).
This first quarter is each day I intentionally remember. The calls I was surprised to receive & messages that made me smile. It was moments that made me rethink my self-worth, people that reminded me of how important it is to show up for your people, and forcing myself to take breaks so I can slow down for a little bit.
I hope you walk into tomorrow knowing whether the day is grey or bright. You can, and you will get through it. Keep going. No matter how small the steps are, decide that you'll make progress.
I am walking forward with the following reminders from Dear Pebble$: 005:
1. Other people fighting in your corner for your cause is a reminder to do this for others too.
2. Be open to opportunities, moments, and conversations. Moments and conversations with people. Interactions with places.
3. Be open to gaining and letting go of things.
