Root, Stretch, Lean In, Grow
Are doors in your life opening to new possibilities?
April reflections, in two images and a dash of curiosity
This month, through travel and daily living, I return to decades of understanding that for me, discernment and change is primarily about being present to the doors that open, with an invitation. They show up in both subtle, and dramatic ways.
When I think of my life story, and pivotable times, often something has been brewing beneath the surface for a very long time. I’m a Libra, I often weigh pros and cons in my mind, heart, body, and soul, go back and forth, and then in what seems to be a sudden moment to those on the outside, I make a significant or dramatic change or leap. I think of that springtime month in my 20s when in one day I quit my job, gave notice to my landlord, moved back to Southern California, and bought a ticket to the West Indies in the Caribbean, and departed by myself. Or, when I gave notice I was leaving to a church in Fort Collins, Colorado, after ten years, and in work that I loved, and knew it was my next best step.
Yet, it’s not so sudden to me—though it might have taken time for all the parts and voices in me to catch up and be mostly on board to take action.
At other times in life, an invitation arises, surprises, and I immediately know this is it. I recall the time in the summer in 1998 when the air hushed around me, and I knew unequivocally that my soul said “yes” to becoming a foster adoptive mother to a 7-year-old boy who dreamed of a forever family. Or when I knew I needed to make a change in my marriage, and I was scared, terrified even, and yet I knew that yes, I must.
I’m coming into a time of declare and fulfill in my life, as I listen to how my life is speaking. I recognize healing, wholeness, and hope are cultivated from within, and nurtured in our chosen environment and those who we include in our lives.
While I was visiting New Orleans for Jazzfest Week One, many images caused me to turn my head, especially these two. I’m reflecting about how they captured me, what our conversation is, and what will be revealed. Throughout this week, I’ll be listening to what they want to make known to me.
Are there images in your life that can help root you in healthy choices, stretch you to think outside your current place of how life is, lean into future possibilities, and grow into the fullness of love and vitality?
Go look for them, notice what appears, and be gentle with any fears that rise up. Hold onto the possibility and excitement that can also empower us into discerned or next best step action and our unknown future.
I’ll play and ponder with these two, and add a PS to each next Sunday, with what they’ve revealed to me this week!
Be curious! And an invitation … share your own photo and accompanying thoughts in the comments
