There are stories hidden in the underbrush of life; small, almost imperceptible nuggets just waiting for their turn to shine. They exist for all of us if only we take the time to look and really see.
“I feel seen” is a phrase often used today to mean that another person doesn’t merely see your physical presence, but they see what lies inside; the parts of ourselves we often keep hidden. Fear of rejection or humiliation among other things means we all wear a mask to survive. The beautiful part of reaching a certain age–varies from person to person–is that we begin to take off the masks that served to protect our tender parts; we allow ourselves to be seen from the inside out. It is actually a very freeing experience; one I wish I had the courage to embrace at a younger age. But that is rarely how it works.
This is the first post of this new blog. I have had so many, and I fear being redundant in what I share. But, such is life. Here I will write what is on my mind, my life as a woman in her late sixties anxious about all the things women of my age are anxious about. But…there are more joys than anxieties, family, friends, books, yarn making and occasional knitting, crochet or weaving. I think a lot about end of life issues, God, my faith, and how I live out that faith in the world. I am a daughter, sister, wife, mom, and Mimi. We are blessed to have our daughter and her family nearby, enabling us to watch our granddaughters and great-granddaughter grow up. We have lived in the same house for thirty-six years which means we are also surrounded by people with whom we have spent a lifetime cultivating memories.
In the midst of all this there are stories; lessons we have learned, and still more waiting to be learned. As long as we draw breath, there are things that need to be molded and shaped into perfection. My goal is to go backwards. To remember, reflect and share my life. Truthfully, I am writing this for myself and for my family. For a very long time I have been preoccupied with the concept of legacy. I want to leave this world with pieces of Sheryl scattered along all the paths I take. I have no control over the past, simply an intention to do better from this point forward. As I look back through the haze of my memory, I hope to uncover small tokens worthy of passing along.
And, because I am a multi-faceted individual, I will also share my creative pursuits, my reading journey, and anything else that comes to mind on any given day. I promise at least one post per week…there could be more, but I hesitate to promise too much. I hope you consider it a delightful surprise when you open your mailbox and find a little something from me.
Until next time I remain,
A Shining Light 