I took this quote from an article I read in my most favorite magazine/publication - Somerset Life (Oct/Nov/Dec 2009 - Wonderings and Wanderings by Jeanine Caron).
Jeanine writes: "I realize in that moment that the reason I love writing so much is because it encourages me to cultivate curiosity. It makes me say "Yes" more often than "No." It pushes me to pay attention to the small details and revel in the complicated beauty. It makes me want to see my world without labeling it, for the sheer enjoyment of the experience and the subsequent tale to tell."
This quote struck a chord with me because it's how I used to live my life. It sounded so familiar to read these words. If, in the first sentence you replace the word "writing" with "art and communicating with people" it would reflect how I felt back then. It's been a long time since I lived that way. What happened? I feel like I can't allow it somehow. In little bits and pieces maybe. And maybe that's enough for now.
The next part of the quote reads, "Sometimes we just have to take life as it comes, without resistance, without planning, without judgement. Because when we constantly try to control the outcome, we leave very little room for serendipity and growth."
This is also how I lived my life b.c. (before children). I think the responsibility of being a mom and the fear of "doing something wrong that would ruin their lives" put that way of living on hold for a long while. Why? I think I swung way over to the other side of the pendulum. I think also, that my mom's way of living is so totally opposite from this philosophy that I don't have the freedom right now to live that way. She is so much a part of our lives on a daily basis that it makes it very difficult. She is very controlling and opinionated. I think the key word in the second part of the quote is "sometimes." If we are responsible people we definitely should not "sweat the small stuff" and "sometimes take life as it comes, without resistance, without planning, without judgement." And I would add " . . . and always trusting God."
I am thankful that I read this today as a reminder to let go and experience what God and life have to offer. I should take the time to notice the beauty that is all around and the simple joys and details that are a part of everyday life.
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