If I was sitting on the stage of life and my child asked me for any note to share with humankind that could possibly feel like a deep breath that we all so much need, I would say this into the microphone: Befriend uncertainty and you will be well.
And when my daughter asked me how to do that, I would respond with this: I don’t know.
And everyone in the audience, I imagine, would gasp.
And I would say to them, I see you haven’t befriended it yet.
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And these days, as I navigate all the uncertainties, it is nice to know what I do know for certain, like how:
I will never complete an online course. And that is okay, I will take exactly what I need and then, be done.
Reading real books with actual pages feels like joy to me. I will travel in cars, trains and planes with space in my luggage for books, a book light and a bookmark for the rest of my time here on Earth.
The love I feel for my children is beyond this realm of reality and thus, I will stop trying to make it fit in any box of understanding for anyone else.
I know for certain that the trees can feel our human energy (cough, chaos) and I could learn or thing or two about how they implement boundaries and continue on their gorgeous journeys.
No matter the warmth in temperature, I will always want to be cocooned under a blanket of sorts when I sleep.
Community and the essence of belonging is a soul salve for all humans. Bring back third places and watch what happens.
And only now do I understand the incredible importance of alone time. A space with the self to hear and sift and alchemize your own thoughts, stories, emotions and baggage. Preferably, for me, in a really hot bath.
I love holding hands. Not just palm to palm. The kind where you weave your fingers within the fingers of another.
For certain, there are too many amazing books in this World for you to finish one you are loathing. I know that books are portals, choose wisely.
I used to be a girl of the Summer sun and I have evolved. I am a woman of Autumn. I love soup and wearing beanies and crisp mornings and moodiness in the skies and the simple chaos in September when you cannot find your jacket.
Take soup to your friends when they are sick. Every time, this act of kindness changes the World, both the outer world and your inner world.
There is alchemy when you stand next to the saltwater of the ocean. It is science. And, it is magic. Both/and.
Words create the reality.
Reckon with what you think and feel and taste of the word ‘rest’. For certain, this goes back eons and for certain, it is important to know the meaning and the activation of this word.
Get elbow-length oven mitts.
Then, let your kids put said oven mitts on their feet and walk around. They look like high heels and it is hilarious for all involved.
Laughter is medicine.
Print more pictures and then put them on the wall, tape is fine. I promise, no one cares if you use tape.
Do art.
See art.
When you can, support the arts. In all the ways.
Be art.
The thrill of second hand clothes that fit like a glove, there is something there to give life to something someone gave away.
Bare feet on the earth matters to remember the connection we sever daily on these screens and beyond.
Have a favorite smell.
Give poetry a try every few years.
Have a friend that you exhale deeply around. And then, explore why that is. The most you of you is seen, loved, held and heard in that environment and that is worth taking a note.
Taking a walk without headphones feels nice, try it.
Fanny packs so you can be hands free, heaven.
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I have more. I imagine you have some certainties, too. Share them, let’s have our anchors while we practice, practice, practice befriending uncertainty.
Love this 💜