Dear friends and family who are in the midst of those unexpected and unwelcome speedhumps in the road of life and are a bit off balance,
I’ve been writing letters in my journal because the practice seems to have waned in real life but I haven’t been able to give it up. Letters to myself are all well and good but it’s just not the same as holding a person in mind and sending thoughts their way. And then I realised… I can write to you here! I found this font that reminds me of the typewriter I learned touch-typing on and the way forward seemed predestined. Hope you like the font!
You might have noticed I’ve been waxing lyrical about all sorts of things online lately. It’s quite a change from my old way of going about things. This last year I’ve had the Desiderata to guide some of the topics. It’s been inspiring at times, a hindrance to ideas at others. Still, it remains something of a guiding text for me as I bumble along. Have you enjoyed getting to know the poem?
This line had an immediate effect on me and made me think about all of you. Nurturing strength of spirit sounds like such an obvious, easy thing to do, doesn’t it? Why, just plant some seeds of resilience, water them, feed them and watch them grow! They’ll be ready to harvest anytime you need them, off you go! If only it were so simple…
To those whose journey has been interrupted by illness or heartbreak or sadness. I’m so sorry. Life can be seriously shit sometimes. I see you. You know who you are but I may not know if this is you. After all, we do have a tendency to keep some of the trickiest things private and that’s absolutely fine. Just know, you are never completely alone.
Ah, the rollercoaster! When I look back with hindsight it’s become easier to recognise something of a pattern. Highpoints and low points and that easy place through the middle when things aren’t terrible, there’s balance, but they’re not overly thrilling either. I’ve come to understand that life generally follows a sine wave and that boring is actually pretty good.
I recalled so many moments that were examples of my own instances of ‘sudden misfortune’. You guys, you were there. Thank you! Knowing you will be there in future moments is something I truly value. I think nurturing strength of spirit means building the village. You know the one. The one that helps raise a child is the same village we call on to celebrate all the milestones. Nurturing my relationships with you awesome peeps is how we keep the village network strong.
I’ve hit speedhumps of my own pretty hard in the past and I’m realistic enough to know there are more ahead in the future. The memory of them means I can appreciate the smooth road I’m travelling on in this moment. So, while I’m on the smooth road I’ve got balance and balance means I can lend a hand.
Need a friendly voice on the other end of the phone / email? I’ve gotcha.
Need a different perspective as you navigate a health event? Maybe I’m your guide. I’m definitely your backup crew.
Need support with a parenting crisis? I’ve got wine, cheese, chocolate and tissues.
Need to stretch your legs? I’m lacing up my hiking boots now and will meet you on the trail!
And let’s not overlook those of you who are here in balance with me or even up in the peak of the wave – need to celebrate? I’m on my way and I’ve got cake!
Love, Melinda
PS Don’t forget to write.
PPS If you pop in for dinner please ignore the pile of washing on the dining table. We will just eat at the bench. And it might be takeaway, I might have a semblance of balance but the urge to cook isn’t strong at the moment.
PPS If we’re celebrating… letting you know I’ll probably head off to bed by 10pm. Don’t be surprised and don’t stop partying. You won’t wake me.
Great font choice! And what a great idea to write a letter – just love it!