Since I can’t truthfully say I don’t “do” change any more, I’ve decided to consider new shit thrown at me as opportunities. Or, at least I’m SAYING that they are. (I’ve been inspired by some amazing and fabulous women lately.) I will be trying on the word “adaptable” for a bit to test that out too. We’ll see how long it lasts (and whether I CAN stretch far enough to get comfortable with these concepts, and not just break entirely).
Obviously the turning-50-no-more-smoking-menopause-move-around-everyday revamping has been succesful. No negatives have come out of all that nonsense. (Except for the weight gain, but ya know, at some point these physical body things are simply not within our control. And I’m addressing that now, so…. still counts.) When NEW newness shows up I still seem to have that GAH!!! panic-ish reaction deep down.
After I’ve had a bit of time (remember our 90 seconds allowance?) I can examine the “opportunity” and see where it fits and how it will be beneficial. Several of these items have recently appeared. One is all about me, and the other is barely peripherally involving me. (FINE! Neither one is about me in the least, but they are both me-adjacent.)
This is a gorgeously local made candle (with an ocean theme!) that I received, from one of my not-technically-mine children, a few days ago. Whitney has been in our lives since she and Empress met in elementary school. Her parents have helped us above and beyond all imaginably generous ways. Heather is Emmy’s other mother, as I am Whit’s. Dr Dave was our “anesthesiologist to the stars” for all of my mom’s and sister’s surgeries (and few of Dan’s too I think, or if not him, a partner for sure). We are like family, only better: family without the crappy parts.
Whitney gave me this thoughtful and lovely present because she didn’t have room for it right now, she’s moving (today, in fact). To California! To live and work on a farm! Did you hear the part about California?! As in, NOT Oregon?! Yeah, and she’s also NOT actually my child. But we text and we chat and we stay in touch and have blogs and and and …. well, I do wish her incredible joy in this new adventure. And I thank her for the candle. (Check in, Whit!)
The other “opportunity” in my life is that Daniel will be protecting Mayberry differently starting next week. (He goes in two hours early.) Politics and administration are to blame, but as far as the job goes, it’s probably a perfectly reasonable move. I will need to adapt. For two days out of the week. Starting on Wednesday. THIS Wednesday.
Oh, and speaking of flexibility, my day took a turn this afternoon that I wasn’t prepared for. Fine. I just kept going, but I was certainly thrown off-balance right from the start because of it. There were three tasks on my To Do list, events that would happen before I sat down here. Beginning with the Open House. Yeah. There wasn’t one. I don’t know why, but I arrived there. To find no signs.
Carrying on, like a grown-up, I just went past. Pliability engaged. Cross THAT off, head straight in to Number Two then. Which was (supposed to be) just getting a few food items. Hmm, also not really a great, nor desirable, result. OKAY! I can do this! (The mental pep talk was LOUD at this point.)
When I got home all that was left to do was trudge. I invited my Beloved along to join me, he was conveniently available. But because he had work tonight, we needed to be fairly rapid, no stopping for pictures or fartin’ around. Not the full extended route either, (we both kept checking the time) but a good solid 4+ miles. Still okay! I’m supple and stretchy, I can go with the flow, no worries from me! (Shut up, I’m really trying here.)
Our card today came up direct, on all levels. As I was wrapping my hair after showering, I thought, “oh yeah, play to your strengths, and CHANGE has just never been one of mine.” Then, in response, I heard, “yet. So far. Up ’til now anyway. Change changes too.” (I seem to get lots of my infused knowledge when I’m sort of upside down or crooked in some way.)
“Strength ~ 8 ~ Major Arcana”
Let’s begin with the number. Eight is the Infinity sign, only sideways. It is the physical manifestation of Forever, the endless opportunities as gifts from the Universe. We have all the chances we need to be successful, in whatever fields we choose. There is never a shortfall, there is never three strikes you’re out. It is the never-ending blessing of Do Overs.
What is our strong suit? What do we do well without even realizing it? Where is our quiet strength that others wish they could do so perfectly? When we ask these questions it starts our brains searching for the answers. Often they just appear, often they are right there in front of us. But sometimes, we have to go a-hunting.
We might have a talent that we’ve set aside, or one that we thought we’d “grown” out of. Maybe it’s a natural aptitude that we’ve let go but would really like to reinstate into our daily lives. Possibly it’s even something we feel we are missing, and yet have never actually done in this life. (I have this with music, it’s a past life thing.)
To acknowledge our Strength we have to be honest. To realize that we are doing something so brilliant (that comes naturally to us, but is such a trial to others) is absolutely a precious gift. Say Thank You. Not everyone CAN do what we do. Not everyone wants to, true. But that doesn’t mean our talent is not important. Since we all have our own individual value, we are bound to have our own individual Strengths.
Being grateful for our gifts and talents and blessings is also a Strength, so let’s be aware of our gratitude today. If an “opportunity” arrives on our doorstep, let’s accept it gracefully, as the Strength we are now adaptable enough to receive.
Today’s Deck:
Robin Wood Tarot
Foreign License Plate Report:
Minnesota, Missouri (which looks WAY too much like BC), Iowa, and Florida.
EasyWeigh Report End Of Week Four:
I fell off the plateau, gracelessly. Total weight loss at this point is twelve and a half. Last week was a full pound gone, which at first I was very bothered by. But today, as I was getting dressed, I noticed that I’m back to wearing my “fat” pants without strain. So obviously, making progress. I know, slow is fast. I’m just glad the numbers are going in the correct direction. And no, I won’t be giving up my scale, it’s how I measure, so don’t even suggest it. Besides, it’s one of Allen’s recommendations, and I’m all over this “programme” still. It works for me. That’s all I need to know.
