“Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.”
― James Allen
I cannot recall where I came across Mr. Allen or when. I just know that he has left an indelible impression here.
If you are genuine, open and guided by character and integrity, then that is what wil come to seek your company.
Part of the rebuilding process.
Looking forward to spending time with souls such as these.
A mutual attraction.
This one is a wee bit complicated. So this may be short and sweet, long and arduous, or “just right”. No clue. Well, here goes….
Recently, I came to several conclusions, literally and figuratively. Whoops.
At this moment, I am incapable of correctly starting the next phrase with “…from the former perspective” or “..in the latter view..” when it comes to a conclusion. Must have missed that day in etymology. Sorry. But I digress….
Let’s just say that for most of my time here on earth, I had been unable understand my value. Know my worth. Grasp my abilities and talents. I have pretty much always allowed myself to be defined. And perhaps worst of all, sought confirmation of all of these inadequacies – and more – through others. This conclusion, that I enabled others to validate me has now become the other conclusion.
Adios my friend.
Taking a break from heinously breaking myself down into a shattered collection of fragments, pieces and chunks. A shambles of what I was meant to be. Concluding that part of my life. Finito.
And since I now have this amazing collection of Mark Legos, I can build something I never once imagined.
Piece by piece. Bit by bit. Moment by moment. An opportunity I have been given that arrived precisely when I most needed it.
Grace.
As my new foundation begins to takes shape, for once, I am fully present. I build to a different voice.
I cannot imagine what is gonna go into the first floor. And I have no clue how many more stories or outbuildings will be added after that. No bother. I just love this kind of building. I trust it will be just what has always been needed. It will be everyhing it is meant to be when all is said and done.
Then finally, so will I.
Do I need a break?
Not from this.
“A real love letter is made of insight, understanding, and compassion. Otherwise it’s not a love letter. A true love letter can produce a transformation in the other person, and therefore in the world. But before it produces a transformation in the other person, it has to produce a transformation within us. Some letters may take the whole of our lifetime to write.”
― Thich Nhat Hanh
Writing them often can prove to be a great way to spend it.
Truly transforming.
So much so, words won’t escape you.
Been ruminating about this for much of the day. And I don’t even know if my response qualifies as an answer to the question. Well….
I really cannot pinpoint one in my lifetime. So lets go with this set: pen and paper. Oh, and enevlope. Nothing beats sharing your thoughts, support, gratitude, forgiveness and love as expressed on a hand written letter or note.
A note or letter to a team member. Customer. Parent. Friend. Stranger, Child. Sibling. Family. THE love of your life.
There is just something about a pen and paper that draws you fully in. It just comes out better than words. It captures a deep part of you that touches another in a lasting way. Opening them up so as to add your piece within them.
Conversations are built the same way. Expression, emotion, empathy, energy, embarrassment, entertainment that become a part of your life, through the spoken word. Moments that remain for the rest of your days.
And yet, when a moment apart, alone and affirming is captured on paper by pen, it is truly permanent. An altogether different manner of expression and connection. True conversations aren’t just heard, they are felt. The written word is absorbed and assimilated.
And because it can be physically given, that gift can be received over and over.
Unfolded, read, refolded, tucked into envelope, placed in it assigned space.
Again.
Again.
And again.
Forever.
Well, look at the start. Already ideal
A scant forty-five minutes after my first contribution went up, I was inundated by tears. Tears of gratitude.
Sitting in church waiting for mass. I get a text from my youngest with an image of a watch my mom left her. On the back were mom’s initials, and the date, 12-25-64.
Must have been gifted by dad to mom back on that Christmas. No clue. First time I ever saw the back of the watch. She wore it pretty much my whole life with her, and yet I don’t recall knowing what was inscribed on the back. Maybe it was a time in her life she wanted to keep to herself.
Now my little one has it and wants to get it fixed so she can wear it. Then she will have grandma and grandpa with her every day. I guess Christmas can come on February 5th if it wants to.
Just when you think it cannot get any better, it just does. Ideal might last for only the next forty-five some minutes until the next moment brings something even more amazing with it. You can never really know. But if you remain in it, the present provides all sorts of gifts.
Even from 1964.
...my temporary assignment. 