Do you believe that the Universe tries to send you messages?
In separate conversations over the last few weeks, multiple friends of mine have mentioned that they feel stuck in their current position. Stuck in in a sense that they’re uncertain of where to go from here, what to do next. I too, find myself pondering my next move. But the recurring thread, more specifically, in each of these discussions was the seeking of answers from the past. That in order to see where we’re going, maybe we have to revisit where and who we once were.
In the face of all the uncertainty that lies ahead (speaking personally and professionally at the moment, not politically 😩), perhaps we can find some clarity, or at least some guidance, from who we used to be and what we used to want for ourselves. Is it possible that answers can be found in previous versions of ourselves? In remembering prior musings or experiences, and the lessons that we uncovered at an earlier date? Is it that we’ve only forgotten or been distracted from what it was we have been pursuing all along?
One friend has decided to revisit her journals, specifically re-reading morning pages from The Artist’s Way, which hold her innermost thoughts around who and what she wanted to be next. Another friend is letting go of old ‘rules’ and ‘regulations’ she’s picked up along the way; releasing suggestions assumed through coaching that have changed her original methods and don’t seem to be working. And in honor of the eighth anniversary of my solo trip through Europe this month, I scrolled all the way back to my Instagram posts from that time, to read how I was thinking and feeling. To be reminded of that girl and the way she was capturing the magic that she was seeing and experiencing throughout her travels, both through words and photos.
This particular post struck a chord:
I am going to be an old lady with stories. I am going to be weathered and worn by the winds of many cities and exposure to experience. My face will wear the laugh lines, wrinkles, and even remnants of sadness and hardships like a badge of honor rightfully earned. There will be no leaf left unturned and I will always be able to keep these moments with me, grateful for all they taught me and the woman they made me.
I watch an older gentleman walk down the street. He has a bit of a limp and clasps his hands behind his back as he slowly makes his way to wherever he is going. I think of all the knowledge, and experiences, and memories, and hopes and dreams that reside within him. I hope he is full. I want to be filled to the brim with these things, from now until I am his age. I don't want to be wasteful in my young age. I want to be thankful for my body and my mind, and make the most of them both while I still have them.
And then this week, scrolling through Instagram, I came across this image:
Image credit: @latesummerflowers on Instagram
So it seems that the Universe has very clearly been trying to send me a message, and is insisting that I do some reflecting on the past, which in the little effort I’ve made thus far, has proven fruitful.
When revisiting my past writings and photos, I was reminded of a few things that I really do consider guideposts as I move into the year ahead and navigate the uncertainty:
I feel my truest writing comes when I share how my feelings and observations intertwine, when I let myself write with a more poetic flow.
Traveling will always be an essential part of inspiring me, my life, my writing.
I can do hard things. I can navigate the unknown. And I can do it alone if I have to. But thankfully, this time around, I don’t have to.
Trusting my instincts, so far in life, has never steered me wrong.
I have always wanted to be a writer. I have always been a creative. Now is my chance to make a living at both.
How about you?
When was the last time that you looked back on whatwas in order to find inspiration or validation for what will be?
Weekly Round Up
I didn’t get political above, but I’ll dip in for a moment here. In light of current events, with a megalomaniac taking over the country and completely disassembling pertinent systems, agreements and, neglecting the lives of so many in this country, I am arming myself with education and facts. Instead of mindless media (though, escapism is a real way to try and make it through current circumstances), I have been drawn to true stories lately. As you can see below, my recent reads and shows are non-fiction and informative in nature.
A four-episode series that explores the power of diet and the benefits of veganism. A frightening view into the meat industry in America and the impacts of meat on the globe and the body. About veganism, Chef Daniel Humm from Eleven Madison Park, said, “This isn’t a trend. It’s where we have to go.”
Interesting stories about real-life encounters of members of parliament and dukes and duchesses in England. More wealthy and high ranking individuals living without much concern for consequence.
I fixed on the phrase that Arendt had used to describe the horrors of the Nazi mentality, the phrase I wanted to ask him about: “The Banality of Evil.” How could so many people—soldiers and bureaucrats but also intellectuals and poets—be so blind to so much horror?
— Alice Kaplan, French Lessons
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