Thursday, April 29, 2010

.reflections and windows.

Our last week here in Nashville, before our Journey to the Sea adventure, has been bittersweet. As I reflect back on all that's taken place since our decision to move back to Nashville little over a year and a half ago, I see that it was definitely not in vain. Many of the relationships that I left behind nearly five years ago, during a very tumultuous time in my life, are healing, many of them mended. This move to yet another place we have never been is not the same as the one I made back then. This time, I am not running away. This time, I am moving forward, confident yet a little nervous, towards my dream, towards a better life for myself and my family. Yes, I realize that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. They get mowed the exact same way. The difference here is that I'll like the view a whole lot better.

I woke up this morning, took a shower, and as I was getting ready for the day, I happened to look up and caught the reflection of the bedroom window on the glass of the shadow box that showcases my earrings. The light was soft and peaceful shining through the blinds and curtain. I stood there taking in the steady breathing of my love and our beautiful child who were both still fast asleep. This is good. What we are doing, this move, these changes, they are all good. Windows of opportunity have presented themselves and as a family, we are jumping through them.

There were three pieces of scrap paper, with my handwriting on them, that I found at the bottom of a box I was sorting through. I don't remember when I copied these words down, but here is what they say. . .

Promise yourself to be strong, that nothing can disturb your
peace of mind. Look at the sunny side of everything and make
your optimism come true. Think only of the best, work only for the best,
and expect only the best. Forget the mistakes of the past and press
on to the greater achievements of the future. Give so much time to
the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you
are true to the best that is in you! ~ Christian D. Larson

Live with intention.
Walk to the edge.
Listen hard.
Practice wellness.
Play with abandon.
Laugh.
Choose with no regret.
Continue to learn.
Appreciate your friends.
Do what you love.
Live as if this is all there is.
~ Mary Anne Radmacher

Peace.
It does not mean to be in a place
where there is no noise, trouble
or hard work. It mean to be in the
midst of those things and still be
calm in your heart.
~ Anon.

8 comments:

  1. oh...i needed those quotes, especially the last.

    i'm so happy that you see this as a forward motion. it lifts my heart.

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  2. you are so brave with all that is happening....and i can only imagine the feelings of anxiousness and excitement all rolled into one "oh my gosh...here we go......now what ?" and then "who cares"

    the moving forward is what's so special and i give you so much credit for what you're doing with your life and plans and dreams and ideas......

    bravo !!!

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  3. The quotes were written and tucked away for you to find at this precise time. I do not believe in coincidences. You learned and grew from the past, you have learned and grown from where you are, and the future awaits a new beginning in which you will once again learn and grow. keep moving forward. :)

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  4. Amazing reflection and I totally adore the vintage look.

    By the way, can you re-follow my blog, for some reason, my followers just disappeared and some of them have re-followed me again ;)

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  5. moving forward is the key and i liked how you focused on the window and the feeling you got at that moment Kat...blessings

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  6. Kat, thanks for this beautiful post. The first quote made me cry.I don't have anyone patting my shoulder and giving me encouragement. Not even my husband. He thinks I live in a fantasy world. It's hard and not knowing that I can't count on others, makes me stronger to move foward.
    Beautiful image my friend. I wish you the best in your new endeavours.

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  7. Your blog is full of nice and wonderful pictures.
    I enjoy to watch your work, it gives me inspiration and motivation - Thank you for sharing

    http://chithrapata.blogspot.com/

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Just so you know. . . you've already brightened my day!