No matter how different our lives may be, we each have a story that connects us with a beginning, a middle and an ending. That great stretch in the center is filled with equal parts pain and bliss. How we respond when the struggles seem to outweigh the joy is key to how we will feel when we reach the last phase of the journey. Valuing and reaching for hope when it seems hardest to hold has saved me over and over again. It's brought happiness and direction back into my world when I thought all was lost.
I welcome you to my new journal, as I stumble and soar. I hope you'll consider joining in the conversation. If you check out my "why" (above), you'll find more of what has brought me to this day.
Hope
Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune--without the words,
And never stops at all,
And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.
I have found it so helpful to know the stories of others that have and are suffering. It always seems to lessen the load, perhaps because now it feels shared.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for this space and for you Maya. You are, as ever, inspiring.
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Your words, your strength, your desire to reach out and lift others. It's all beautiful. My very best to you.
ReplyDeleteMaya, you are such an inspiration with whatever you decide to do, whether it be artistic creations or emotional well being. (aren't they really one and the same?)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on this new space!
xoxo
~ joey ~
you've reminded me of a favorite book, a beginning, a muddle, and an end (Avi). about the cliches of this life, & the nuances & the dilemmas of double & triple meanings. all of it between a snail & an ant, of course. hopeful about the simple truths, my friend. you do honor it all so beautifully. thank you for letting us stumble & soar along side. i love you so. maya-to-maya fireside hugs.
ReplyDeleteMaya,
ReplyDeleteYou are one of the bravest people I know - to share all - not just for your own healing but to help others know that it is possible to get through and to not only get through but to grow and heal through the process.
Wishing you days sprinkled with joy.
Love, Tonya
Printed this out to hang in front of me. The poem, the image, it helps me feel hope. Love. Thank you, lovely!
ReplyDeleteA startling synchronicity I must share: I came across your new space through a link shared by Beth Lampe on FB. This, literally right after reading an entry on the web pages of a friend and her sister who write of their family's journey with their third sister dying from breast cancer. It is a beautiful piece about a perspective of hope. A very worthwhile read:
ReplyDeletehttp://thelivesincerelyproject.com/2013/01/25/on-hope/
Thank you for this safe haven. I'm sure I'll be here often.
ReplyDeletecan't wait to see what this will become & where we'll go!
ReplyDeletexoxo
susaninfrance
thank you for creating this haven for us all ~ i look forward to the hope it brings..xoxo
ReplyDeletethank you for this. Our family has been through a lot but hope is always what gets us through.
ReplyDeleteThis is my favorite poem with words that continue to inspire me and carry me through life. Thank you for Honoring Hope. I am at a crossroads in my life now as I transition into a "creative retirement" where the road ahead is unknown. I look forward to visiting here and honoring hope within us all.
ReplyDeletebeauty. you. all of this. all of us.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this beautiful new journal Maya. Hope is such an important thing in our lives. May this year bring you much happiness and contentment.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Looking forward to honoring and sharing hope with you.
ReplyDelete