a place in the ways

Posted on by stargardener

The things you complain about most often are indicators of where you need healthier boundaries.

Nedra Glover Tawwab

Braveheart, I share quotations here as a point of inspiration, but also as notations regarding my own journey. Meaning — there is an entire backstory to each quotation. ♥

Having come to this place
I set out once again

Muriel Rukeyser, This Place in the Ways
  • I shared that I envision these final months of 2023 as a thru-hike (as in, the execution of detailed planning, along with commitment and gritty determination required for such an endeavor).
    • This means I acknowledge that any life-alter* requires a plan, resources and/or support.
    • This means I acknowledge that facts and daily parameters and personal choices mingle to ensure I can belong to myself (honor my pace and my capacity).
    • This means I acknowledge that the desire to quit [resistance] is always a portal — an opportunity to pause or pivot, assess and make choices, continue onward or opt out.

Never quit on a bad day.

My “thru-hike” considerations:

  • itinerary (connecting the dots; constellations of desire and intention)
  • weather (everything cycles; seasons change; be the sky)
  • permits (parameters; limits and boundaries; resources)
  • shuttle options (designated “trailheads” and assistance)
  • mileage (time frame; pace; end-goal)
  • resupply stops (rest and reframe; grace)
  • contingencies (alternative routes; know your exit points)

This past week (week 33/52) has included some significant personal realizations, envisioned as maps for this particular “thru-hike” — flash-back-chronicles of other “thru-hikes” completed during six decades of living.

  • Braveheart, there are times we give and shapeshift due to necessity; adapting to our circumstances, making choices for love.
    • And sometimes we “disguise” ourselves to others as a protective measure.
  • During these times we know exactly who we are and what we need — but we are acting in the wisdom of silence and solitude, often required to live our purpose. (And to shelter [fortify] ourselves.)
    • This doesn’t mean we ignore our needs, hopes and desires.
    • This doesn’t mean we are betray ourselves or make ourselves “small” …
    • “[No] one else is going to drag that bag of aspirations out of the darkness, because no one else knows they exist” (Noel Marquis)

I decided I was safe. I was strong. I was brave. Nothing could vanquish me.

Cheryl Strayed
  • Resolve doesn’t mean we don’t become weary and disoriented [“trail fatigue”].
    • It happens. It is part of our journey, of discovering our pace and the details of our rhythm.
    • Fatigue and overwhelm are our cue to pause or pivot, assess and evaluate — then, continue onward or opt out.
      • Ignoring our fatigue and overwhelm is choosing to betray ourselves and our well-being.
      • Ignoring our fatigue and overwhelm leads to ignoring [becoming deaf to] our intuition (Spirit, inner knowing).
      • Ignoring our fatigue and overwhelm causes us to be unduly vulnerable to “getting lost” [manipulation, shame and coercion], as well as …
        • Taking on the work and weight of other people’s “backpacks” [their blame and false charges against us; their choices, their shame and unwillingness to change course (repent, reconcile, be kind)].

I was amazed that what I needed to survive could be carried on my back. And, most surprising of all, that I could carry it.

Cheryl Strayed
  • We always have options (often unseen — until we stop and assess, and listen in-Spirit).
  • We are able to identify what we need — when we stop and assess and chronicle.
    • Writing brings relief.
    • *(Braveheart, there are certainly times when we must ask for assistance regarding this point. Consult a trusted friend and/or seek professional assistance.)
  • There are always opportunities to “quit” [pause or pivot].

Do what you need to do today, and then trust: there is grace to find room. There is grace to find room to rest, or even start to figure out what ‘rest’ looks like in this season.

Morgan Harper Nichols

Belonging to myself this past week has been absolutely energizing and added to the uniqueness of this calendar year. It required that I do and say things that were intuitively known (not planned or expected).

    Trust your pace. There will be a place in the ways for you. Slow is fast enough — and you will know as you go …

    Thank you kindly for your presence here, Braveheart. 

    I appreciate your interest and support.

    ~love & good wishes~

    2023 Annual Kit | Ko-fi

    *I use the word [life-alter] to remind me that everything is a process + to never quit on a “bad” day. Bad days are merely days that require extra time at a life-altar , Braveheart. (Because days are simply hours offering beauty, options and life-lessons.)

    • This week has required I abide in a “place in the ways” (Muriel Rukeyser); life-altering and a life-altar to honor what was intuitively known.