avatarDivina Grey

Summary

Divina Grey, after a period of personal upheaval, returns to writing with renewed determination, inspired by photography and the wisdom of moving forward.

Abstract

Divina Grey marks her return to writing after a hiatus of two months and ten days, emphasizing the importance of writing in her life. She reflects on a transformative period that included leaving her husband, moving back home, and going back to school. Inspired by a photograph she took on her way home from the gym, Grey draws parallels between her personal journey and the act of looking back while moving forward. She acknowledges the challenges of the past few years and expresses gratitude for the lessons learned and the freedom gained. The essay is a tribute to resilience, with Grey finding empowerment in the promise of new beginnings and the ability to shape her own future.

Opinions

  • Writing is not just a part of Divina Grey's life but is synonymous with life itself for her.
  • The past is acknowledged for its role in personal growth, yet it is seen as something to leave behind in pursuit of a brighter future.
  • There is an appreciation for the empowering nature of personal reflection and growth, as symbolized by the act of taking a photo of the past while moving forward.
  • The author expresses a sense of surprise and pride in her current position in life, considering the upheavals she has faced.
  • Divina Grey attributes her ability to move forward to her own determination and the inspiration she has drawn from others, particularly from the works of Mark Tulin and Anne Bonfert.
  • She views her past struggles as "bittersweet gifts" that have taught her valuable lessons about freedom and self-determination.
Me, leaving the past where it belongs. Photo by author, Divina Grey.

PHOTOGRAPHY, WRITING PROMPT

Leave the Past Where It Belongs

Two months and ten days. That’s how long it took me to sit down at my computer, crack open an ice-cold diet 7Up, and come back to (writing) life.

Writing is life. It gives me life. And I can’t live without it.

I snapped this photo on the way home from the gym a few months ago. Taking a quick glimpse of what was behind me while moving forward at a comfortable pace felt incredibly empowering.

“Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

We’ve all been through quite a lot over the last few years. And personally, I never thought I’d be where I am today (on so many levels).

But, here I am.

Over the last two years, I left my husband of fifteen years, moved back home, went back to school, and thanked the Past for its overpoweringly bittersweet gifts of freedom and for teaching me what I do and where I go from here is in my hands.

Here’s to leaving behind a dark past and moving forward with sheer determination to a brighter future.

Zoom!

Originally inspired by:

Mark Tulin

and

Anne Bonfert

Thank you both for pulling me out from under the heavy and jagged boulder I’ve been hiding under with your intoxicatingly warm hearts and unforgettable photography.

© 2022 Divina Grey. All Rights Reserved.

Photography
Self Improvement
Challenge
Life
Writing
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