I walked to the mailbox without using a walking stick for the first time in six months. After having surgery to remove a brain tumor in mid-January, I didn’t know whether this would ever be possible again. The feeling that we never know what’s possible is one to hold onto.
Definitely! I’m a below knee amputee so I’m so understand the feeling of freedom walking unaided. It’s a simple thing but it’s huge! Praying many many more adventure for you in the future!
I found an adult swift stranded on a narrow medieval street in Italy. I cradled him gently in my two hands, and quickly walked the few blocks to the bridge above a river. I gently let him free fall a wee bit as swifts need to do in order to engage their wings and fly away. This act of rescue gave me great joy.
When I woke up this morning, my first thoughts were that nothing matters. That even the people I love, the days I live, everything, is dull, disconnected and alien. It occurred to me that this might be the voice of real depression talking, and as such, I should not listen. That voice is full of anxiety and fear for our world and all the people in it. I got up and took my coffee over to my computer where I found today's email from Suleika with its title, "Reasons to Live Through the Apocalypse." For the price of a subscription, there, in my inbox, were reasons to live. I started reading and without finishing, jumped up to retrieve my journal. I had not written yesterday, the first day I had missed since beginning the 100 Day Project. Thinking of the subtitle of the email, "a meditation on small joys and a poem by Nikita Gill," I wrote about my own small joys: my grandchild's smile, the smell of crabapple blossoms, the warmth of the springtime sun, my husband's hand in mine. I felt a call to be in the moment, to come away from thinking about this moment in history and to return to this moment of my breath rising and falling. I finished reading the email and prompt, and decided to write this thank you to you, Suleika, Nikita and this community. We don't have any idea about the impact we make in this world, do we?
You acted!!! And wrote! I applaud your courage and wisdom to do this. It is so easy to let the blanket of depression captive one in their bed. May the small joys continue to nurture you.
It's so hard sometimes, and yet there are so many reasons to live. Much much love to you, Sherry, and thank you for sharing this gorgeous note with all of us ❤️
Thank you Sherry for reminding us with your own reflection that depression tries to take away the joy that is there for us. Anxiety and fear seem to lurk waiting to rope us in. This site and my subscription are the inspiration and company I need, like you, and so many of us we need others to find out way.
The smile on my husband’s face and the peace in his voice as he got into the car after his first outpatient platelet transfusion, sharing the details of how each person who helped him through the process made him feel comfortable and hopeful. I wanted to cry tears of gratitude.
This moved me so much. I have an eternal debt of gratitude to all the people who help care for the sick and go above and beyond to make you feel like a human first, a patient second. Bless them, and bless you and your husband ♥️
As someone who works in an emergency room I strive to be present for all my patients and treat them as humans even when they don’t believe that they are worthy.
Me too. I play it for my grandson from another mother and grandparents at night before he goes to sleep. He is 18 months old and stays with me one to two nights a week to give his parents, a midwife and Er nurse some alone time. We dance to Freedom, I Need You, and sing We Are through the day.
While working my way through COVID this week my daughter showered me with photos and videos of my 15 month old grandson. I cling to and revisit every one to get me through each day. Small joys indeed.
One small joy from last week that I'd like to hold onto... a friend called me for no reason whatsoever. Just to say hi, to hear my voice...no other reason at all. It was the sweetest, lightest conversation, and when I hung up I smiled, shook my head, and said to myself "that felt SO good." Love for no reason.
Every Sunday reading your post is my joy - I look forward to it more than my morning tea! I have had a really hellish 24 hours of pain and nausea and IV this that and the other (I know you understand) and I woke this morning to this picture of you with that brilliant life inspiring smile on your face and am reminded of how much power little joys and pleasures have in overcoming the hard moments. I threw myself into the shower at 4am much to the nurses’ chagrin (they are used to me being their early bird now) and I finally feel human enough to properly thank you for again making my Sunday morning and my journey brighter by sharing yours. I hope one day to be able to write as eloquently and to share my own journey of hope with others like you have. I am so grateful for you and so happy to hear that you got out for a walk! I have been trying to get to the ocean for days now and I am hoping that maybe today might be the day…
Tulips are my mum’s fave (she is sleeping beside me right now - does your mumma stay with you?) so I am considering your frolicking amidst the tulips a good sign 😉
So much love for you Susu - I feel like I know you since you are a constant presence in my day to day life and I can’t imagine walking this path without your spirit by my side
A good, deep belly laugh with girlfriends. The kind that makes you pee in your pants a little. Also…surprise FaceTime calls from my son and his girlfriend, just to say hi.
Learning to play pickleball and making a nice shot after many embarrassing misses. Pink flowering trees that show up reliably but are here for such a short time. These few peaceful Sunday morning moments of writing. Finding a great quote, like this one:
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” ~Albert Einstein
I walked to the mailbox without using a walking stick for the first time in six months. After having surgery to remove a brain tumor in mid-January, I didn’t know whether this would ever be possible again. The feeling that we never know what’s possible is one to hold onto.
This makes me so happy. A stroll—without walking assistance—feels like a new kind of freedom and hope. Sending you love
Bedazzled as she may be, it must have been so freaking joyous to finally walk on your own without your walker.
Yes! Glorious! I see this as encouragement to keep pushing a little farther. Thank you
Sending you love back.
Amazing the mobility we take for granted.
Wishing you many happy trips to the mailbox!
Yes! This is the second time so had to start over- I was paralyzed from the waist down when so was 15.
Thank you Sue!
Way to go you! That’s fantastic and the just start or so many more unaided steps! Hooray!
Thank you Ann! I must keep the door open to all possibilities!
Definitely! I’m a below knee amputee so I’m so understand the feeling of freedom walking unaided. It’s a simple thing but it’s huge! Praying many many more adventure for you in the future!
I’m sure you know exactly the feeling. Thank you for your support!
Linda. Standing ovation to you. Wishing healing.
Thank you Susan
What an incredible moment for you--congratulations, Linda!
Thank you Sue!
Absolutely beautiful!
Aww thank you Helen
I found an adult swift stranded on a narrow medieval street in Italy. I cradled him gently in my two hands, and quickly walked the few blocks to the bridge above a river. I gently let him free fall a wee bit as swifts need to do in order to engage their wings and fly away. This act of rescue gave me great joy.
So tender, so joyous 🕊
to hold this trusting bird in my hands was a gift alone...he accepted my help and his flight was my reward.
Lovely
Oh, this is such a beautiful image. Thank you for sharing.
Beautiful.
When I woke up this morning, my first thoughts were that nothing matters. That even the people I love, the days I live, everything, is dull, disconnected and alien. It occurred to me that this might be the voice of real depression talking, and as such, I should not listen. That voice is full of anxiety and fear for our world and all the people in it. I got up and took my coffee over to my computer where I found today's email from Suleika with its title, "Reasons to Live Through the Apocalypse." For the price of a subscription, there, in my inbox, were reasons to live. I started reading and without finishing, jumped up to retrieve my journal. I had not written yesterday, the first day I had missed since beginning the 100 Day Project. Thinking of the subtitle of the email, "a meditation on small joys and a poem by Nikita Gill," I wrote about my own small joys: my grandchild's smile, the smell of crabapple blossoms, the warmth of the springtime sun, my husband's hand in mine. I felt a call to be in the moment, to come away from thinking about this moment in history and to return to this moment of my breath rising and falling. I finished reading the email and prompt, and decided to write this thank you to you, Suleika, Nikita and this community. We don't have any idea about the impact we make in this world, do we?
You acted!!! And wrote! I applaud your courage and wisdom to do this. It is so easy to let the blanket of depression captive one in their bed. May the small joys continue to nurture you.
It's so hard sometimes, and yet there are so many reasons to live. Much much love to you, Sherry, and thank you for sharing this gorgeous note with all of us ❤️
I’m glad you’re here with us Sherry. ♥️
Thank you Sherry for reminding us with your own reflection that depression tries to take away the joy that is there for us. Anxiety and fear seem to lurk waiting to rope us in. This site and my subscription are the inspiration and company I need, like you, and so many of us we need others to find out way.
The smile on my husband’s face and the peace in his voice as he got into the car after his first outpatient platelet transfusion, sharing the details of how each person who helped him through the process made him feel comfortable and hopeful. I wanted to cry tears of gratitude.
This moved me so much. I have an eternal debt of gratitude to all the people who help care for the sick and go above and beyond to make you feel like a human first, a patient second. Bless them, and bless you and your husband ♥️
Human first, patient second. That’s exactly it. People are not their diagnosis.
As someone who works in an emergency room I strive to be present for all my patients and treat them as humans even when they don’t believe that they are worthy.
Veronica... such a tender image. Thank you for sharing it.
After a sleepless night due to treatment side effects, the dawn breaking and birds stirring as I drink delicious coffee
For me, it's tea....and the birds are lovely. Sisters in sleeplessness find the hidden joys.
Good morning 😊💞
Hope you feel better
Insomnia from treatment side effects is the worst. Hope you are able to get some rest ♥️
Thank you!! ❤️
Sweet.
mmmm....yes coffee...that first sip in the morning...mana from heaven
Not a prose poem, but a haiku instead.
Morning hot green tea
Signals to start a new day
What joys will unfold?
❤️❤️❤️
What gorgeous words to kick off a Sunday. Thank you ♥️
Wonderful! I love it! So hopeful! ( I struggle being hopeful.) Thank you for sharing this!
❤️
Wordle every morning before dawn. My one year old granddaughter calling out my name for the first time- repeatedly and with urgency.
Oh my goodness. Your sweet granddaughter. What a beautiful memory to hold onto. ♥️
I look forward to Wordle but only after my first sip of coffee.
Listening to your husband Jon's gorgeous rendition of "What A Wonderful World."
I get tears in my eyes each time I listen to it.
Me too. I play it for my grandson from another mother and grandparents at night before he goes to sleep. He is 18 months old and stays with me one to two nights a week to give his parents, a midwife and Er nurse some alone time. We dance to Freedom, I Need You, and sing We Are through the day.
I love it when he says “ Self” to himself in the last verse. I listen for it every time😍
While working my way through COVID this week my daughter showered me with photos and videos of my 15 month old grandson. I cling to and revisit every one to get me through each day. Small joys indeed.
Hope you’re on the mend. Wishing you a quick recovery and more grandson content! ♥️
Grandchildren are the best. They give the strength to persist, survive and thrive.
They give such unbelievable free love!
One small joy from last week that I'd like to hold onto... a friend called me for no reason whatsoever. Just to say hi, to hear my voice...no other reason at all. It was the sweetest, lightest conversation, and when I hung up I smiled, shook my head, and said to myself "that felt SO good." Love for no reason.
So lovely, this idea: "to hear my voice" ❤️
Love for no reason, what a powerful feeling.
Seeing that my peony bush is blooming.
Peonies—my favorite! Hope you make yourself a gorgeous little bouquet.
They are my favorite as well! A complete spring surprise when we bought our home in NC…
Can’t wait to make the bouquets!
The explosion of spring blooms in my neighborhood. So simple, so basic, but they give me an almost euphoric pleasure.
It’s my favorite time of year for this reason. I love watching the landscape transform🌷♥️
It’s magical… like nothing else. It’s proof of life. Proof of love. Sending love to you, Suleika. 🙏💕
And it progresses so quickly right on time!
Even in Apocalypse there will be blooms from Mother Nature. I am confident
During the height of COVID the flowers were magnificent. Nature did not get the memo that the world had shut down.
I can just picture it...favorite time of year
You CAN picture it, if you find my post in Isolation Journals yesterday! 😘🌷
Every Sunday reading your post is my joy - I look forward to it more than my morning tea! I have had a really hellish 24 hours of pain and nausea and IV this that and the other (I know you understand) and I woke this morning to this picture of you with that brilliant life inspiring smile on your face and am reminded of how much power little joys and pleasures have in overcoming the hard moments. I threw myself into the shower at 4am much to the nurses’ chagrin (they are used to me being their early bird now) and I finally feel human enough to properly thank you for again making my Sunday morning and my journey brighter by sharing yours. I hope one day to be able to write as eloquently and to share my own journey of hope with others like you have. I am so grateful for you and so happy to hear that you got out for a walk! I have been trying to get to the ocean for days now and I am hoping that maybe today might be the day…
Tulips are my mum’s fave (she is sleeping beside me right now - does your mumma stay with you?) so I am considering your frolicking amidst the tulips a good sign 😉
So much love for you Susu - I feel like I know you since you are a constant presence in my day to day life and I can’t imagine walking this path without your spirit by my side
xoxo
Much love, Tara ❤️
So much love to you, dear Tara. Thinking of you ♥️
Sending healing thoughts, Tara.
A good, deep belly laugh with girlfriends. The kind that makes you pee in your pants a little. Also…surprise FaceTime calls from my son and his girlfriend, just to say hi.
Learning to play pickleball and making a nice shot after many embarrassing misses. Pink flowering trees that show up reliably but are here for such a short time. These few peaceful Sunday morning moments of writing. Finding a great quote, like this one:
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” ~Albert Einstein
What brightness! Thank you for sharing, Jill ❤️
To take one more picture, read more book, and play “Freedom” one more time!
♥️♥️♥️
The Smiles on my son and his girlfriend as they walked through McCaren Park yesterday.
Love this ♥️