THANK YOU NOTES #33

How the Sparkle of Writing Gives Life to my Years

Renewal, Restoration, and Lots of Overhauling

Yes! Yes, I have! Sorry for the shouting, but I am beyond delighted to have my writing renewed. Have you ever had a resurgence in your life with something you had put in a shoebox? You know…that shoebox that sits in your closet tucked back in the darkness? That’s what it was like.

First, I wasn’t sure if I could do it because I am still recovering from extreme adrenal fatigue.

That was eight years ago. It has been a slow climb out of the foxhole to civilization. When I say slow climb, picture the train from the kiddie’s book where the end mantra is, “I think I can, I think I can” until it makes it over the hill and is shouting, “I did! I did!” That’s me.

Have you ever had to tell yourself this in your life? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

Earlier this year we made a cross-country move. I could tell you that we moved out of hell because living in Los Angeles was a bit like hell for me. The reasons for the move were wrapped around A LOT of stress — the kind of stress that could put me flat on my back again.

Instead, I became re-energized. Our new home is ripe with sunlight, which keeps my spirits up, and we feel the stress of our previous living situation stripped away as if it were light years behind us.

As I began to ponder my new space and future here, my writing called me. It always carries me in seasons of darkness and joy. It is a good friend, but this time it was beckoning me to return.

I had signed up for Medium a few years back, telling myself that I would write soon. Soon became weeks, then months, and then years. It was time. I felt it in my bones. So, I started. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but I put one foot in front of the other — something I’m familiar with.

Then I began to “meet” beautiful writers on Medium, who not only clapped, but uplifted my stories, and still do — I’m humbled and honored.

Sometimes, like Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles has said in her post about being grateful for the life in her years, we learn as we age. So many people want to turn back the clock, but even through the tough times, look to the moments that were life-giving. There is life in the years!

If I think about that — the life in my years, I immediately turn to gratitude. If you’ve read any of my writing, you will learn that my life, though seemingly privileged to many, has not always followed a golden path. It’s ok. I don’t dismiss it as a dust bunny I’m shoving under the rug. No, I’ve learned through years of therapy, that it’s ok, and I’m ok.

What has given me life in my years is my writing. If you’re reading this and you’re younger and knowing that writing is a gift, don’t neglect it. For me, I always took writing classes and kept my writing active. Yes, there were years when my writing took a backseat, but I have always written whether it be in a daily journal or short stories, or even a novel.

My writing gives me energy, so I am thankful for the moments when I can keep life in my years through my writing. And I’m thankful for the gift. I have finally realized to receive it with grace and handle it with love.

Is there something in your life that has been tucked away inviting you back from time to time? What would it look like to accept the invitation and make it a more prominent piece in your life?

If you would like to receive an email every time I write an article, please sign up HERE.

If you are not already a Medium member and would like to join the fun, click HERE. A portion of your membership will be allotted to me, which helps me to continue doing what I am called to do. Thank you for your consideration.

I am thankful for everyone who stops by to read. I have recently turned to freelance writing as a full-time job. If you’re interested in buying me a cup of coffee, I would appreciate it! Click HERE.