Find Your Middle Ground

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Haiku – Stranger

~
Feel like a stranger
Living in a foreign land
Miss my family
~
Childhood memories
From a different time and place
Miss my country
~

Thanksgiving didn’t used to be a sad time of year for me, until a couple of years ago. A lot has shifted in these past two years, and I feel more and more disillusioned about living here. Perhaps it’s a sign of growing older, or looking back with nostalgia on my own childhood get togethers.

I am grateful for loving friends and connections, good health, yoga, a past rooted in Scotland…. and America as my adopted home.

Carry on Thanksgiving.

 

Val T Boyko
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49 responses to “Haiku – Stranger”

  1. Sue Dreamwalker Avatar
    Sue Dreamwalker

    I can see why you would be nostalgic Val.. Scotland holds its own special vibration. Happy Thanksgiving in your adopted home Val. ❤

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you dear Sue ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Sue Dreamwalker Avatar
        Sue Dreamwalker

        ❤

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  2. Louise Gallagher Avatar
    Louise Gallagher

    Happy Thanksgiving Val. I wish for you a gentle, loving heart filled with the joy of time spent surrounded by loved ones as you share in the special bonds of being together. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you Louise x

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  3. Jill Weatherholt Avatar
    Jill Weatherholt

    During the holiday season, I’m often home sick for my home state of Virginia. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving, Val.

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you Jill. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours 💕

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  4. insearchofitall Avatar
    insearchofitall

    I feel very much like you do on this holiday. As well as so many other times. You spoke my words for me. Hope you find a way to make Thanksgiving all it can be this year.

    Liked by 3 people

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thanks Marlene. Your words are a comfort! I also broke a molar yesterday, which has put me in the dumps. It never rains but it pours. But I am well and I am here. Thinking of you over the Holiday 💕

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  5. Kate Crimmins Avatar
    Kate Crimmins

    A very heartfelt post. I especially miss my mom at the holidays and she’s been gone over 30 years.

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you for your kind words Kate. Its a time for opening our hearts, and it isn’t always easy to be with the sadness of loss. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your tribe 💕

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  6. nrhatch Avatar
    nrhatch

    Me too, Val. But for me, it’s not so much a place I long for . . .

    Sometimes we want to go “back in time”
    We yearn for days of yore
    It’s harder to give thanks here and now
    When the ghosts of Holidays past beckon
    With childhood scents and sounds

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Smiling …. How lovely! Thanks Nancy. 💕

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  7. pyonchek Avatar
    pyonchek

    Val,
    You bring so much light into the lives of those who come in touch with you in your adopted country. I, for one and I’m sure there are many, others, am grateful that your wisdom has softened the hard edges of our lives. Thank you for giving so freely of your spirit..

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Pat, thank you for your kind words and warm heart. I am very touched. 💕
      Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours 🙏

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  8. Chatter Master Avatar
    Chatter Master

    Happy Thanksgiving Val. A beautiful post.

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  9. Carrie Cannady Avatar
    Carrie Cannady

    Dear Val…I understand these feelings. I feel them so some degree most days. Rooted in a longing that often defies description; the feelings are deep. You are a treasure on this often sad and weary planet. Your light is bright and serves as a beacon for many of us. Blessings to you on this Thanksgiving holiday. I’m grateful for you. 💜🙏🏻

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  10. Infinite Living Avatar
    Infinite Living

    Happy Thanksgiving wishes! Gratitude sometimes brings up grief – to my surprise this year this is how I have been feeling. Yet I celebrate the opportunity to take a look at how Gratitude feels to me today, it has always enriched my life in different ways. Your post brought up these thoughts for me 🙂

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  11. Karen Lang Avatar
    Karen Lang

    Sending lots of light and love to you Val during this time. I hope your tooth gets better and you are surrounded by peace 💚💕🙏🏻

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  12. Eliza Waters Avatar
    Eliza Waters

    The holidays are a challenging time… Norman Rockwell vs. reality. I have to keep reminding myself to keep it real and simple in the midst of the general hysteria. Wishing you quiet joy and peace in the days ahead.

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  13. Esme upon the Cloud Avatar
    Esme upon the Cloud

    Age and the consequence of time and events beyond our control can drain our peace from us, make harsh that which was once so comforting. I hear you Val. Time will tell, but your heart remains as wide and strong as is needed to brave all storms. Especially being from the land of Scots originally. ❤

    – Esme Cloud giving thanks for knowing her friend Val x

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you so much Esme. With the realization of shifting times and perspectives, Thanksgiving itself was a fun day. Thanks to our 9 year old American nephew who wanted more real family in his life! Hearts open and expectations change. 💕

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  14. Hariod Brawn Avatar
    Hariod Brawn

    There comes a turning point, doesn’t there, when the future seems so much smaller than the past, when limitations seem to outnumber options? And yet perhaps there’s a freedom in having rolled past that point, in having done what was to be done, and done it well, for the weal of others, which you have. Home is . . . well, you know where the home is. H ❤

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you Hariod for your loving response and perspective. It is always welcome. 💛Letting go of comparisons has been helpful, as well as being open to the new unfolding. Thanksgiving turned out to be fun, as our 9 year old American nephew wanted to embrace the extended family and how we live! So curious and smart 😎

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  15. Live & Learn Avatar
    Live & Learn

    Happy Thanksgiving Val. I get it.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thanks Dave. The sadness lifted when our visitors arrived and were so appreciative. The sun shone. Cold as hell, but gratitude prevailed 💛

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      1. Live & Learn Avatar
        Live & Learn

        So glad…

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  16. derrickjknight Avatar
    derrickjknight

    You certainly need your middle ground

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  17. Writer Lori Avatar
    Writer Lori

    Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving, Val. I, too, understand your feelings of sadness and nostalgia. So easy to get swept up in the ‘must be a Martha Stewart holiday’ frenzy, when the reality can be much different. Hoping your tooth is better very soon and that you find a pocket of love, peace and smiles in this day.

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  18. Dan Antion Avatar
    Dan Antion

    I can understand the way you feel (well, almost). I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving Val.

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  19. Jennifer Kelland Perry Avatar
    Jennifer Kelland Perry

    Have a happy Thanksgiving anyway, Val. Love that pic of you!

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  20. allysoally Avatar
    allysoally

    There’s no place like home….Happy Thanksgiving Val! xxxxxx

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  21. Ann Coleman Avatar
    Ann Coleman

    I think we will always feel the pull of home, no matter where we are. I hope you have a good Thanksgiving, Val!

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  22. Tiny Avatar
    Tiny

    I feel the same way, Val. A lot has shifted and I find myself going “back home” more often now. I hope you had a good Thanksgiving.

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  23. Bela Johnson Avatar
    Bela Johnson

    Val, I appreciate this honest reflection from you. I have never wanted to leave the US as badly as I did when the last president was elected. I woke up with the heaviest sense of dread I’ve ever experienced. Yet when I consider leaving the country I grew up in, I falter. It’s easy, in theory, to make this sort of shift. And I would survive and probably even thrive. But one grows up in a certain culture, and the US is nothing like Scotland or anywhere else. I found, just visiting Scotland many years ago and Ireland under two years ago, an amazing difference in scale. Villages, yes, but even in cities, an earthy grounded feeling. People out walking, feelings of connectedness and community. History everywhere, in the stones, the soil, in lochs and architecture. Solid. Magical. Culture permeates culture.

    I left Ireland most recently a bit wistful, but upon reflection, I realize, when given a choice, I like the wide open rangey feelings I grew up with – even in the woods and small towns I’ve chosen to live in for most of my life. I still feel liberated by a kind of alone-ness I treasure. I know the lay of the land, no matter where I travel in the US. It’s in my bones. So I hope you get to return home often, if that is your desire. Even if just to steep yourself in your familiar. Love to you, sweetie. ❤

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    1. Bela Johnson Avatar
      Bela Johnson

      And then I just read this: https://www.instagram.com/p/BqkBy_ZB25S/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=11pxxpk9nrrr3
      Hope you can link to it! Explains a bit … ❤️

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  24. smilecalm Avatar
    smilecalm

    i’m touched by your sharing, dear Val!
    feeling disconnected from roots is painful.
    may you feel welcome
    always
    in that home
    inside 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      I have come to this wisdom too. Thank you Dave.💛
      I also enjoyed seeing Thanksgiving through the eyes of a 9 year old boy, who really wanted to feel more family around him…. and loved being here despite terrifying dogs and different expectations. The dogs become best friends, and the expectations dissolved as we watched Guardians of the Galaxy and he laughed and laughed … I we both thought of the absurdity of it all. 💕

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  25. D. Wallace Peach Avatar
    D. Wallace Peach

    Not the usual post from you, Val. Thank you for sharing your journey and all that entails. This is a difficult time for the heart. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you Diana for your understanding and connection. 💛 Everything passes … and love and appreciation brings us back to Center. I’m about to get into the swing. Grateful for the found family and friends here … and expressing myself wholeheartedly 💕

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  26. Betty Hayes Albright Avatar
    Betty Hayes Albright

    I’m thankful for your presence here, Val. 💗

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you Betty 💛 I’m finding my way home right now, and it’s good to connect with fellow souls.

      Liked by 1 person

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  27. Michele Anderson Avatar
    Michele Anderson

    Sometimes it means that it’s time for a change.

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  28. The Wizard Avatar
    The Wizard

    Love .

    Missing my family too

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Val Boyko Avatar
      Val Boyko

      Thank you Wiz 💕

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  29. Joey Blue Avatar
    Joey Blue

    Nice post, Val. I especially like it because I can feel your heart put into it.

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