I continue with gratitude for my experience in The Winter Writer's Sanctuary 2023 with
and her 15-day Meet The Writer group. #meetthewriter“Once the door opens, it will not shut again.”
Journal Entry, Black Lake, ID.
July 2021 (G.S.)
The Road of Not Giving Up
There is a necessary letting go of the old life in order for the new beginning to flow in.
Excuse making, Habit of procrastination, Self-doubt, Unbelief, Loneliness, Self pity, Comparison are names of the companions on the Road of Giving Up.
“Once you become real, you cannot become unreal again. For it lasts a lifetime.”
from The Velveteen Rabbit
The door has opened. I am walking through the doorway. I see a signpost beside this road I now stand upon. The signpost is beautiful and made of wood. It is fashioned like an old gaslight lamp stand with a golden gilt ornate frame illuminated by its glow, and reads:
“This way to the Way of Faith that works.”
I don't believe in coincidences. Timing is everything. Ordered by the Divine. A newsletter from Brené Brown arrived two days ago in my email in-box. From her intimate sharing of her life details of her past two years, I was moved to visit her website and do further research. I found a treasure. I discovered 'Atlas of the Heart', her latest book and I promptly ordered my hardcover copy. I love my journey, but I have learned:
I needn't travel it alone.
Reading Brené’s letter brought my own road of sobriety to mind. This April will mark my 39th consecutive year without any form of mind altering substance, liquid or pill form. I ordered my new token last week and am so delighted with my choice. Focusing on moments, the right token appeared after a couple days of thought and online shopping.
This year is all about flamingos and standing in the sunlight at last.
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So, with my heart full and sobriety nudging itself forward as a daily post-it of gratitude, walking by grace, and connecting with my Higher Power, I received another surprise. A message from a dear friend, Brenda, who happens to be my AA sponsor. She just celebrated 41 years of sobriety. It's been a long time since we last connected. What a joy! What a miracle we both are.
The Road of Giving Over
Tough times, messy life, tragedies, and having to keep walking no matter what, especially in staying sober for me, can dip me into all sorts of emotional messy pools and potholes. I have used My Buoy Line (Positivity → Sobriety → Persona) as my mantra which works for me. Brené speaks on not giving up, instead – giving over. Yes, this resonates with me.
I find it remarkable that both women, Beth and Brené, have just suffered the loss of their mothers this past year. As well as my friend Brenda. The sharing of how they are handling their grief, I find very meaningful. The loss of my own mother in 1997 and finding solace in my memories of her propelled me into my first dotcom business and is now the propellant for my author life. I am giving over.
My new companions for my Road of Giving Over are showing up in the middle of my moments, because I am paying attention:
Strength from dark places, Connection that bonds, Companionship of the spirit, Graciousness of manner, True friendship, Kinship healing, and Braving with humility are my new companions on the Road of Giving Over.
Authors We Are
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I am so happy and blessed to be reconnected to you! Looking forward to making many more memories! Love you!
🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀