Three weeks ago I began to write this post. As I came back to it, I realized that nothing stays the same. When we address what is going on inside of us, we can shift our experience of the world.

All around me people seem to be getting back into their social lives. Next door is having a birthday party. It started with kiddies enjoying themselves in the pool, then more family members and friends joining in with karaoke.
I feel apart. I can’t imagine having that much fun these days. Friends are moving away. Family is across the ocean. My community of likeminded souls in Kripalu is closed for the rest of the year. I am home in a lovely place with a man who is struggling right now. Lets face it, the cancer diagnosis and treatment over 4 years has taken its toll.
The vibrancy and appreciation of life has diminished. There is gratitude for being here … Yet the celebration has died.
We lost our middle dog Dilys, two weeks ago. She was such a bright spirit and cheeky wee dog. She made me smile, and still does with all those memories. The older dog Meghan isn’t doing well and has to take a lot of meds and special food to prevent kidney failure. Teddy, the young boy is enjoying the attention and becoming quite the man about the house. There is calm.
I tell myself “My external world has shrunk. I must ignite my inner world if I am to get through this.”
This was a notice to deep within. It’s time to acknowledge and accept fully what is happening right now. It’s time to ask myself what I can do to become excited and inspired once again! Can I relax enough to allow the opening of my heart instead of the evaluating and somewhat judging mind?
As part of my ongoing Retreat approach to this time, I had enrolled in two online experiences for July. The first was a 6 week writing experience and sharing with Roger Housden and a group of fellows on their own path to explore their inner world and awakening through writing.
The second, was a one day retreat with Jonathan Foust on self inquiry as part of the spiritual path.
Well folks, I am happy to report that both have ignited something that is ready to be expressed and to be celebrated. I am writing again, reaching out to others, and finding laughter and joy in my days. In the highs and lows of life, I have rediscovered contentment.
May we all find our way to live from our heart and our Middle Ground.
Namaste
And thank you for sharing what you find dear lady, may we too be guided by it 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋
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Thank you so much Mark. Keep shining your wisdom and light too 💕
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Val, I have been feeling as you are. My world has shrunk, my excitement for life has waned, and I’m not sure right now how to exist in a world that I don’t recognize. I as well as you am not in the mood for celebration. Too much horror has been witnessed and first you I suspect require healing before the joy and zest for life return. BIG (((HUGS)))!!! xo
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Thank you Amy. My zest has returned. I couldn’t make it happen, but I was able to let it happen by really taking time to look inward and open my heart to everything that’s going on. It’s a painful time for the world. Take good care 💕
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You always have a way to put a good face on the situation. Thanks for that.
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Thank you Dan. Take good care 💛
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Nice to be back, Val?
This blip has knocked us all for six, hasn’t it? Now, more than ever, we must keep on keeping on! 🙂
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I’m so happy to hear you’re finding joy in your days now, Val. Take care of yourself. ❤
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Thank you so much Jill 💕 Take good care too!
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OH Val! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I too have been feeling this angst you describe so poignantly. And then… I read this post and in particular, this line, “My external world has shrunk. I must ignite my inner world if I am to get through this.”
so powerful and beautiful and inspiring.
Thank you.
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SO glad this resonated with you Louise. So often we try to replace the externals with something else, but its our inner world that need nurturing. Hugs to you 💕
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So glad to hear you are feeling more positive and finding more joy in your day, Val.
No matter how much we try to keep positive in these difficult times, it’s inevitable that some issues are going to try and pull us down.
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Going with the flow of life has is changes that’s for sure. Thank you Vicki for being here 💛
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Val, I’m so sorry for your losses. My world has shrunk too. Some days are OK and some I have to focus on what is good. There is a lot good but sometimes we overlook it. Peace.
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Thank you for your kind words Kate. Taking time to see the good can change more than just our day, but our life. Thank you 💛
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Peace to you and yours.
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Thank you Sarah. Peace to you 🙏
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Sending condolences for your losses, Val. Take care. xx
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Thank you Jennifer 💛 Wishing I was enjoying the cool summer up near you 😎
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On the contrary, we’ve had a couple of heat waves!
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Oh boy!! Enjoy the heat while it lasts.
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My deepest condolences for your losses Val 😔. Igniting the inner world is the best retreat in which one can invoke peace. It is our inner being which remains unaffected to a large extent from the uncertainty and volatility happening around.
Wish you peace and happiness. 🧘♂️
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Thank you for your kind wishes Dilip. Your words are full of wisdom. 🙏
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I’m glad the laughter is back!
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Me too. Thanks Jim 💛
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Val, once again you have spoken my heart. You echoed what so many of us our feeling. You are always there for everyone else. I am so grateful that you caretaking care of yourself. Miss you.
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Thank you Tisha! I hope you will join me in caretaking when the boxes are unpacked 💕
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I can relate on some levels Val. I’m sorry to hear of the difficulties of life. I am understanding of that needed ignition. I am grateful for the small sparks I find. I don’t look for or expect large ones. And the small ones sure do light things up. 🙂 Best wishes to you both.
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Thank you Colleen for sharing here. I feel you 💕
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Inspiring transformation, Val. You felt the rough patch, sat with it, then took action. Your example helps us all. ❤ 🙏
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Thank you Eliza 💕. I hope it helps others to navigate these times in their own way.
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Beautiful transformation Val. The ebbs and flow, the falling apart and coming back together, is how we heal and how we expand. Keep writing 🙂
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Thank you Karen for your kind words and encouragement 💕 it feels good to express myself more fully again.
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Your beautiful authenticity guides others to their truth. 🙏🏻💕
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Thank you 💝
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I’m glad that you’re seeing a parting of the clouds, Val . . . with glimpses of the sun peeking through.
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Thank you Nancy❣️ Clouds are good for reflection on how the sun is always present. 😎
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I resonate so much with this Val, thank you for sharing so beautifully. Love to you and yours. 💗
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Thank you dear Julie. It’s so good to have you here 💕
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This resonates with me too.
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I’m so glad. Thank you Fiona 💕
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Some days I think about a quote about change. It is neither good nor bad just change. Sometimes I can look at all the things that I have moved through and see the positive outcome. I know that I would not be who I am today without all the struggles to help mold me. And I love who I am. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope that your days bring joy.
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Thank you for sharing LJP 🙏
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I should have added, Thank you for sharing your experiences, reading about your journey is inspiring me to look for the positive things in my life and the blessings that come from them. Reading back I saw that I forgot to add that part.
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I have this vision of you, Val, as a wise woman who goes with the flow and is in a state of serenity at all times. Of course, I know that’s silly and your life isn’t without struggles. But you do inspire. Your commitment to growth and compassion always has something to offer me, a new way of viewing challenges, and in this post, a reminder that each of us has the ability to take the active steps to facilitate change. I’m so glad you feel renewed energy and focus. And thank you for sharing your journey. ❤
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Thank you Diana for your kind words and insights. This is one of the insights I have been having recently. People see the grounded calm guide and think that I don’t struggle. Yet I do have struggles… and am still learning how to be with them. Thank you for being here Diana 💕
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Happy to hear that life didn’t break you and you have found your way. My condolences also on the loss of a beloved pet. Sorry to hear about your hubby’s difficult journey. He’s blessed to have you by his side. The journey of inner reflection through writing has been my friend also, to find some peace when things are seemingly falling apart around me. Thank-you for sharing your story, Val.
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Thank you so much Olga for your kindness 💕
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Val, I send you love and blessings as your world reopens from within. I can hardly wait to see what you bring forth. My heartfelt condolences for your middle companion (dog). It’s hard to lose these unconditionally loving little ones. And in these times, it feels devastating. Thank you for sharing your journey in these times. We can all find something for ourselves in the sharing of your vulnerability. Sending blessings for your husband and your other dogs. 💜🙏🏻
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Thank you so much Carrie. 💕 Its so great to have you here. I feel your presence and empathy.
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You certainly have been through, and are still going through, a rough time. It’s no wonder you were feeling down. I’m glad that you have found the inner strength to reach out again, through writing and whatever else helps you. Take care, Val!
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Thank you for your kind words Ann 💛
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Val,
Your story is inspiring. I am so glad that you reached out for what you needed to keep your light burning brightly.
As a social dancer I have learned to connect with others in different ways. Who knows when I will be able to rejoin my dance communities. After grieving this a bit. I decided to work with what I had. During the start of quarantine I began to create online writing groups. This has been a gift in so many ways, including creating community beyond geographic boundaries. Instead of traveling I am writing with people all over the world. Who knew?
Thank you for your ongoing wisdom. Please keep on sharing.
Wishing you wellness,
Ali
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Perfect title Val. One of the hardest lessons in life for me to learn has been: “Nothing Stays the Same.” Beings of all kinds move on and each day can change direction in an instant. This can be good if things are not going well at present, but not so good if you like the way things are. Learning to go with the flow and not having expectations in my life has helped me tremendously. Thank you for such a beautiful post.
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So sorry that you lost your Dog Val….there’s a lot heavy these days.
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Thanks David. I know you feel it too 💛 She brought a sweet zest into each moment. I’m now feeling gratitude for the time she had with us.
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I enjoyed reading your post. So sorry to hear about your loss and the struggles your facing. So happy you have found happiness again.
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Thank you for your kind words 💛
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Dearest Val, who is always and has always been there for others, my heart goes out to you and healing thoughts to the man in your life my friend… So sorry to hear of Dilys, our pets are a huge part of our family..
I have no such worries and problems like you to contend with but the collective right now is bringing up so much for so many on so many different levels… Sometimes it is overwhelming..
And why for a time I have retreated back into natures balm to regain my balance… A post waiting to be shared perhaps of those feelings.. And insights of what I have also learnt about myself these past few weeks Val..
Writing our thoughts, emotions, and sharing with others is therapy in itself and in doing so we often find similar stories of others who are reaching out with their words…
I am pleased your focus and attention is being directed into new learning skills, and that you are finally finding new strength and enthusiasm in life dear Val..
May you find that internal peace within again dearest Val, we are all of us being affected right now in so many deep ways, and those of us who are sensitive I am certain are feeling it very deep right now..
Lots of love my friend… Sending Hugs your way… Love Sue ❤ 💚🙏🌈💖
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Thank you dear Sue for your empathy, kindness and friendship. It means a lot.
💝🙏
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Likewise Val … ❤ huge hugs
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It’s a day to day…so much is contrasted…and I also tell myself no one can take my joy…we will thrive ☺️🤓 thanks for this Val 💞☀️ appreciated ~ smiles Hedy
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Val, I was so delighted when I reached the end of your post…indeed, life has its own cycle of ebb and flow…may you feel alive through it all.
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Thank you Vicki 💛 I feel alive and ready for what else opens up. Hope you are doing well. Stay safe 🙏
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