So I was reading through my September posts, and I feel like my day-to-day life is kind of boring. I work, gripe about my feet, talk about my meetings, but not much else. Honestly, that’s all I have going on. If not for other people and my mobile games keeping me entertained, I’d be as interesting as a stick floating in water. As a photographer, I’d find that interesting (potential photo opportunity), but — oh, wait…
Contemplating a stick as it floats through water…when I envisioned a stick in water, I imagined a creek that was full from good rain, and a stick happily traveling upon its surface, unaware of and unphased by any dangers or pitfalls, because there were none. The water wasn’t rapid, just a gentle movement southward. The stick would be one freshly snapped from it’s tree during the rainfall, which would probably be in shoddy shape due to lack of care. The stick would have a richer color because of the water. Suddenly, this makes sense.I am a stick in the water. The emotional symbolism of the water is a perfect metaphor, as I’m calm, serene, and at peace with how things are going. I do have an occasional desire to make progress changes ahead of The Universe’s wishes, but I have people with far more experience than I do reminding me to stay the course, as the stick is doing. I can’t be happier than I am content, and I am indeed content; therefore, I am happy.
I’m not happy like the pictures of people standing atop mountains with their arms up in a V, no. That’s joy, but I am building my joy. Other people bring me joy, though. And as I reflect that joy back to them, I am reminded that my own is just over the horizon, so long as I boldly continue my travels down this stream.I am transforming. I may be just a stick, but there could be a natural dam ahead, or perhaps one built by some family of beavers who find me as just the right size stick to add to their masterpiece. Or maybe there is just enough life for this wick little stick to take root on its own somewhere further down. I’ve no intention of starting a family; I am nearing 50, after all. But I can create life: I am a writer, after all.
I am changing. And I am noticing others change as I change. I am influencing people around me to reconsider negative feelings or intentions. I am listening to them and responding in ways I didn’t know I could. I’m becoming confident and self-assured. I give gratitude and am receiving the same in kind. This gratitude is a new foundation upon which I plan to keep building.I’ve always been introspective and reflective, but to have others echo it as if I were being that way out loud is such a delight. Where I was once fearful, hesitant, or even resistant to speak my heart and mind freely, I am now doing so, especially with those I care about. I am a stick in the water, and the ripples I make as I go are clear and honest. They help other sticks move freely in their own paths down this creek.
I can’t fathom what it would be like if I was still stuck to that tree. It’s so far behind me that I can barely see it, anymore. Not that I’m looking that way.Oh, how I love being a stick in the water.
I’m not happy like the pictures of people standing atop mountains with their arms up in a V, no. That’s joy, but I am building my joy. Other people bring me joy, though. And as I reflect that joy back to them, I am reminded that my own is just over the horizon, so long as I boldly continue my travels down this stream.I am transforming. I may be just a stick, but there could be a natural dam ahead, or perhaps one built by some family of beavers who find me as just the right size stick to add to their masterpiece. Or maybe there is just enough life for this wick little stick to take root on its own somewhere further down. I’ve no intention of starting a family; I am nearing 50, after all. But I can create life: I am a writer, after all.I am changing. And I am noticing others change as I change. I am influencing people around me to reconsider negative feelings or intentions. I am listening to them and responding in ways I didn’t know I could. I’m becoming confident and self-assured. I give gratitude and am receiving the same in kind. This gratitude is a new foundation upon which I plan to keep building.I’ve always been introspective and reflective, but to have others echo it as if I were being that way out loud is such a delight. Where I was once fearful, hesitant, or even resistant to speak my heart and mind freely, I am now doing so, especially with those I care about. I am a stick in the water, and the ripples I make as I go are clear and honest. They help other sticks move freely in their own paths down this creek.I can’t fathom what it would be like if I was still stuck to that tree. It’s so far behind me that I can barely see it, anymore. Not that I’m looking that way.Oh, how I love being a stick in the water.