Answering the Call

I wrote this essay many years ago; my sons now are 24 and 27.  Today I offer you these words, along with an added section written today, August 29, 2012.  May this essay and addendum offer you a gem to consider, dear reader.

 

In my other life, I’ll rise before dawn, watch the sunrise, and glide smoothly into my day after a refreshing daily practice of deep breathing, yoga, and Scripture reading.

In this life, however, I grope for my glasses and slippers and shuffle into my day by way of the kitchen with my sleepy-eyed boys in tow.  And somewhere in between toasting bagels and packing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, I escape to my bathroom to read a meditation for the day, savoring the words of wisdom and serenity.

I followed my normal routine yesterday morning after Andrew and Kevin had caught their buses to school.  I loaded the dishwasher, threw in a load of darks, and commenced my Monday morning pick-up around the house.

Before long, though, I felt mysteriously called to the bookcase, my eyes catching a familiar title, Meditations For Women Who Do Too Much by Anne Wilson Schaef.

Oh, I thought. There’s the meditation book my husband gave me two years ago—the one I used to read every morning…I wonder what it says today…

It was too easy to find the day’s date, October 6, because there was a bookmark on the very date!  How peculiar.  I read on in a hurry, hardly breathing as I took in the quotation at the top of the page, Why Women Who Do Too Much Housework Should Neglect It for Their Writing.—Brenda Ueland

Anne noted that the quote was a chapter heading from Brenda’s book, If You Want to Write, and then Anne continued with her October 6 essay about women making time for what really matters in their lives instead of spending time on things with little value.

Had the author been spying on my house?  Did Anne or Brenda know how much my soul needs to write and how loudly other sounds call my name?

Dust has my number.  Closets in disarray seek me out.  I am the master of using time up and wondering where the time went.  I have huge ideas about writing and little discipline to actually sit down and write.

But wait…I just sat still long enough to write this essay.  And I have a hopeful feeling that finding those words yesterday will be a new start for me, a gentle reminder to follow a new road.

New Section Added in 2012

Hallelujah!

I’m grateful Joy living into my other life.  

I wake before dawn, gaze upon the emerging sunrise, and engage in a morning spiritual practice that nurtures my soul.

I stretch, and most mornings eat oatmeal at the kitchen table with Ben, the beautiful man who came into my life after my marriage ended.

My long-time desire to heal into wholeness and peace has come to pass.

From this happy, grounded place, I write every day, inspiring peace and joy from my depths.

Clients come for spiritual counseling, or benefit through phone sessions.  I create a weekly e-zine called Go In Joy!  that goes to subscribers.  You’re invited to sign up on this site if you’d like to give it a try.

I facilitate Circles of Joy for women in person, or send class materials anywhere to those ready to dig deep, unearthing the best parts of themselves.  Is it time for you to live into your Highest Self?

Radiant creations to wear, share, or display anywhere are gracing lots of folks, and spreading beauty and joy.  These sweeties are available on this site, too.

I’m thrilled.

That idea, beautiful fabric around the neck with positive sayings, came to me when I was living the life of a busy mom, and I knew I couldn’t birth it until I’d gained some inner growth.

Confidence.  Belief in myself.  Courage to step into the world wearing a new creation.

I needed to grow into new aspects of myself, embrace my own radiance, add voice to  this world of voices.

I matter.

And so do you!

You matter very much.

Dear reader, your work is to realize that, and to evolve into your best self, adding your unique and marvelous voice to our world of voices.

We so need what you carry inside!

 

Contact me to schedule a get-acquainted call if you’d like support claiming your whole self.