THE INKWELL SOUL

Category: Uncategorized

  • A Poem: Just To Be

  • The Quiet Strength in the Fog

    Strength, we often mistakenly believe, is a fortress impervious to the storms. We picture a stoic figure, unyielding and untouched by the harsh winds of life. But true strength, the kind that anchors us through the deepest gales, is not the absence of difficulty. It is the ability to bend without breaking, to absorb the impact and still find the resilience to rise again.

    Life, in its unpredictable wisdom, throws us into the thick of it. Health falters, relationships shift, dreams dissolve like morning mist. These are not signs of weakness on our part, but the inherent nature of existence – a constant flux, a dance between order and chaos. In these moments, the urge to fight, to push back against the discomfort, can be overwhelming. We crave clarity, a roadmap out of the uncertainty. But sometimes, the most profound act of strength is not to struggle against the unknown, but to sit with it.

    This “sitting” is not passive resignation. It is an active engagement. It is allowing the uncertainty to be, without the frantic need to resolve it immediately. It is breathing through the anxiety, acknowledging the fear, and trusting in the inherent process of life. The fog of confusion, of grief, of transition, can feel suffocating. Our minds race, trying to find answers where none are readily available. But like a natural fog, this mental and emotional haze will eventually dissipate. It requires patience, a willingness to be in the murkiness, knowing that clarity often emerges not through force, but through gentle persistence and the passage of time.

    There’s a poignant truth in the statement: “We can only measure what we lose, but cannot measure what we will gain.” Loss is tangible. We can count the empty chairs, the silent phone, the diminished health. The pain of what is gone is immediate and measurable. But the gains that arise from these experiences are often intangible, unfolding in ways we cannot predict. The resilience we build through hardship, the deeper empathy we cultivate through loss, the unexpected opportunities that emerge from closed doors – these are immeasurable at the moment of suffering. To focus solely on what we have lost is to limit our vision, to blind ourselves to the potential for growth and transformation that lies within the very challenges we face.

    This brings us to the profound question: “Do we have to die to see heaven?” If we equate “heaven” with a state of ultimate peace, joy, and understanding, then idea of it being solely an afterlife destination feels limiting. Perhaps “heaven” is not a place we arrive at after death, but a state of being we can cultivate within ourselves, even amidst the complexities of life.

    The struggles we endure, the uncertainties we navigate, the losses we grieve – these can be the very crucibles that forge our inner “heaven”. By sitting with discomfort, by embracing the unknown, by finding strength not in the absence of difficulty but in our response to it, we begin to glimpse moments of profound peace and clarity. These moments might be fleeting, but they offer a taste of that deeper understanding, that sense of connection and meaning that we often associate with a heavenly realm.

    Perhaps the “heaven” we seek is not the destination beyond the veil, but a state of inner grace attained through the conscious navigation of our earthly journey. It is the ability to find beauty in the brokenness, strength in vulnerability and hope in the face of despair. It is the wisdom gained by allowing the fog to clear on its own time, trusting that even in the darkest moments, the potential for profound growth and unexpected blessings remains, immeasurably yet undeniably present. We don’t necessarily need to die to experience a form of heaven; we need to learn how to truly live, with all its uncertainties and challenges, and find the quiet strength within to embrace it all.

  • A Poem: The Quiet Spaces

  • Recognizing Red Flags: A Reflection on Self-Worth and Relationships

    The insidious creep of a toxic relationship often begins not with a bang, but with a whisper – a subtle red flag that we, in our fear of solitude, choose to ignore. It’s a painful truth that many of us find ourselves entangled in unhealthy dynamics because we fail to assert our boundaries early on. We allow disrespect and neglect to fester, driven by a primal fear of losing a companion, no matter how detrimental that companionship may be to our well-being.

    How long do we permit such behaviors to continue? The answer, ultimately, lies within us. There comes a crucial point where we must cultivate healthy boundaries, defining unequivocally how we expect to be treated. This isn’t a responsibility that falls to anyone else; our experience, our peace, and our heartbreak are, in large part, our own to manage.

    For those whose lives have been a constant cycle of “fight or flight”, the distinction between the thrill of new love and the warning signs of danger can become blurred. Red flags and the flutter of butterflies in the stomach can feel indistinguishable, leading us down paths we later regret. It’s a harsh realization that much of our heartbreak is self-inflicted, born from a misguided belief that if we pour enough of ourselves into another person, they will transform into the partner we desperately desire.

    Yet, the red flags aren’t always about the other person’s actions alone. Sometimes, the most glaring red flag is the one we wave ourselves – the moment we begin to lie to ourselves about who they truly are. This self-deception, fueled by the agonizing prospect of loss, is the most critical warning sign to heed. It’s not about being colorblind to the obvious; it’s about hoping against hope that our perceptions are wrong, that the uncomfortable truth isn’t really true.

    The lesson, learned often through bitter experience, is clear: never ignore the red flags in the beginning. Those initial, dismissed warnings will inevitably become the very reasons the relationship crumbles. Red flags, by their very nature, do not magically transform into green lights. They are stark warnings, and our willingness to acknowledge and act upon them is the true measure of our self-worth and our commitment to a healthy, respectful future.

  • The Weight of My Coin

    I am, indeed, the coin, holding within me the intricate dance of joy and sorrow, of profound connection and devastating absence. My life has been rich with different kinds of love, each right for the season it occupied. I’ve known partnership and companionship in marriages, and I honor those experiences and the unique love they brought into my life.

    In 2006, one side of my coin shimmered with an unbearable brightness: the discovery of my soulmate. This was a love so deep, so profound, it surely felt like destiny – a connection unlike any I had known. Those two years of marriage, though tragically brief, imprinted an experience of love that many only dream of. That was the blessing, the side of the coin etched with an exquisite beauty.

    Then, in 2009, the coin flipped with a force that shattered my world. The other side revealed itself, stark

    and brutal – the sudden, unthinkable loss that stripped away not just my husband, but a piece of my very being. That was the suffering, the profound grief that lingered long after the immediate shock faded. I bore witness to life’s capacity for both immeasurable gift and excruciating theft, all within the span of a few years.

    Now, as I navigate the dating world, a cancer survivor with the ghost of a potential recurrence whispering in the background, I feel the weight of that same coin in a new, acutely personal way. I carry the memory of that extraordinary love, a testament to my capacity for deep connection. This is the enduring strength, the resilience, the understanding of what truly profound intimacy feels like.

    Yet, alongside this richness, there’s the palpable fear of history repeating itself, not just for me, but for those I might allow into my heart. I’ve lived through the agony of losing the love of my life, and that pain was unbearable. The thought of inviting someone new into my world, only for them to potentially experience that same devastating loss if my cancer were to return and take me…. it’s a burden I honestly struggle with. How can I ask someone to risk that kind of heartbreak? How can I knowingly put them through the watching, the hoping, the ultimate grief, when I know precisely how soul-crushing that experience is? It’s a deeply protective instinct, this reluctance to inflict potential pain on another, especially when I’ve felt its full force myself.

    And yet, despite this overwhelming concern, I still yearn for it – that profound, all-consuming love again. The blessing of experiencing it once has shown me what’s possible, what truly enriches life. This isn’t a simple “two sides” scenario; it’s a dynamic, ever-present reality. My coin spins, sometimes showing the vibrant imprint of love found, sometimes the stark emptiness of love lost, and now, the profound vulnerability of daring to love again while acknowledging life’s inherent fragility. I am holding both sides of that coin, longing for connection while grappling with the very real cost it might exact on the heart of another.

  • Mornings

    I enjoy early mornings. The fact that I was given another day to live is always a blessing. My mornings are a time where I reflect on my life’s experiences. Memories play out in my mind. As I sip my coffee I enjoy its bold flavor…warming me as it travels down to my stomach. The kitties come over to me to say good morning, one by one. A smile crosses my lips… so soft… such innocent little creatures. My ears perk up as I hear the dog sleeping under the table next to me. He has the cutest little snore. The birds are happily chirping outside… building nests, feeding babies and gossiping I am sure! I breathe. Just being in the moment is a blessing. As I take it all in, a little smile crosses my face. My shoulders relax and I … just … am. This is peace. This is hope. This is love.

    Mornings Embrace The quiet arrives with the dawn, another day, a whispered gift, I settle, coffee’s dark richness a warmth spreading inside. Memories unfold, a gentle film of a life lived, played out in the soft light. One by one, cats greet the new day, their small bodies brushing mine, innocence in their purrs, a smile blossoming on my face. Beneath the table, a soft, rhythmic snore from the dog, a comforting hum. Outside, the birds begin their chorus – chirping, building, nurturing, their secrets carried on the breeze. A deep breath in, a quiet exhale. Just in the moment. This stillness. Shoulders release their hold. A simple being. This is peace. This is hope. This is love.

  • The Quiet Compass: Trusting Your Inner Wisdom

    In the bustling theater of life, where countless voices clamor for our attention, there exists a profound and often overlooked guide within each of us: intuition. It’s not a booming command or a reasoned argument; it’s a soft whisper, a gentle nudge, a knowing that doesn’t need to explain itself. Intuition simply points the way, guiding us toward the paths that truly resonate with our authentic selves.

    Think of it as your own personal, internal compass. While our rational minds meticulously map out pros and cons, carefully weighing explicit information and logical steps, intuition operates from a deeper well. It draws upon a rich tapestry of emotions, gut feeling, and an understanding that transcends the limits of what we can consciously articulate. It’s that sudden flash of insight, the feeling in your stomach, or the sense of “just knowing” that something is right (or wrong) even when you can’t quite explain why.

    To truly tap into this inherent wisdom, we must first quiet the cacophony of the external world. In our fast-paced lives, filled with endless distractions and demands, our intuition can easily be drowned out. This is where the power of reflection, meditation, or engaging in activities that bring you a sense of calm becomes invaluable. Whether its a quiet walk in nature, journaling, deep breathing exercises, or simply sitting in silence, these practices create the space for those subtle whispers to rise to the surface.

    When you learn to listen, you’ll find that intuition doesn’t offer lengthy explanations or detailed instructions. It provides direction, a sense of alignment that feels intrinsically correct. It’s a feeling of rightness that resonates deep within your core.

    In a world that often prioritizes data and deliberate thought, trusting your intuition can feel like a leap of faith. But remember, this inner guide is attuned to your truest self, your deepest desires, and your most authentic path. By honoring its gentle suggestions, you unlock a powerful source of wisdom that can lead you to decisions that are not only logical but deeply fulfilling.

    So, take a moment. Breathe. Quiet the noise. What is your intuition trying to tell you today?

  • The Courage to Live (Even When It Hurts)

    There’s a whisper we often tell ourselves, a comforting lie that keeps us tethered to the familiar, even if it’s not serving us. “I’ll do it when I feel better. I’ll step out when the anxiety fades. I’ll chase that adventure once the sadness lifts.” It’s a promise we make to ourselves, a deferred dream, often rooted in the very human desire to avoid discomfort.

    But what if that promise is actually a trap?

    I read a quote today that hit me like a splash of cold, clear water: “Hard truth: If you wait until you feel ‘better’ to start living, you might be waiting forever. Go live your life. Do it sad. Do it anxious. Do it uncertain. Because healing doesn’t always come before the experience. Sometimes, the experience is what heals you.”

    That last line. Sometimes, the experience is what heals you. It resonates so deeply, especially when the urge to retreat feels overwhelmingly strong. We tell ourselves we’re “not ready” – not ready for the vulnerability of new romance, not ready for the exhilarating unknown of a grand adventure, not ready for the awkwardness of trying something entirely new. And if we keep saying “not ready” where does that leave us? Stuck. Standing still. Watching life pass us by from the sidelines, waiting for a feeling that may never arrive on it’s own.

    The truth is, life doesn’t pause for our emotional readiness. Healing isn’t a prerequisite for living; it’s often a consequence of it. It’s in the messy, imperfect moments of putting ourselves out there – the nervous first date, the solo trip taken with a knot in your stomach, the awkward attempt at a new hobby – that transformation truly begins. It’s in facing those fears, however small, that we discover resilience we didn’t know we possessed.

    So, perhaps it’s time to re-frame “ready”. Maybe being ready isn’t about feeling perfectly calm, perfectly confident, or perfectly healed. Maybe being ready is simply deciding to show up, fully and imperfectly, in the messy beautiful unfolding of life. To do it scared. To do it with shaky hands and a pounding heart. Because the greatest healing might just be waiting for us on the other side of that leap.

  • My Peace, My Power

    There’s a profound strength that blossoms when you finally shed the old skin of fear. For too long, the specters of rejection and abandonment loomed, dictating choices and whispering doubts. But those days are gone. The truth I’ve embraced is that it’s dangerous to be healed – dangerous in the most liberating way possible. It means no longer tolerating what dims my light, no longer shrinking to fit someone else’s expectations.

    My boundaries aren’t walls; they are guardians. They protect the precious inner sanctuary I’ve so painstakingly built. This isn’t about pushing people away; it’s about honoring myself. I now understand, with unwavering certainty, that I have complete control over my own peace. It’s not a gift granted by others, nor something that can be taken away. It’s an internal wellspring, carefully cultivated.

    This clarity has redefined my relationships. My solitude isn’t a void to be filled, but a cherished space where my peace thrives. So, if you wish to enter my world, know this: your presence has to be better than my solitude. My peace isn’t competing with another person for your attention or affection. It is, in fact, your competition. It’s the standard. It’s the quiet strength that now governs my choices, ensuring that every connection I forge truly adds to the rich tapestry of my tranquil life.

  • My Three-Page Man-ifesto: Universe, You’ve Been Served

    Here I am, 53 years young and back in the dating rodeo. Widowhood, and divorced – let’s just say my heart’s been through the wringer. But you know what? I’ve learned a thing or two. Mostly, I’ve learned that this time around, I’m not settling for luke-warm coffee and half-hearted efforts. Nope. This next chapter? It’s gotta be filled with genuine happiness.

    So, I dove headfirst into this whole manifesting thing, inspired by Delores Cannon. She says, if it doesn’t hurt anyone else, the universe is your oyster. Well, my oyster is apparently three college-ruled pages long and detailing the man I want to walk into my life. I left NOTHING out. Every quirk, every must-have.

    And let me tell you, this fella I’ve conjured up in my mind? He’s something else. Not some polished city slicker, mind you. Think more… strong leather and calloused hands. He’s the kind of man who knows his way around a toolbox and probably owns a flannel, plaid and t-shirt collection that could rival a small store. There’s a quiet strength about him, a man who’s comfortable in his own skin, rumbling laugh that makes you feel grounded, and his eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiles – a genuine, honest smile.

    He appreciates the simple things – a good cup of coffee in the morning, the quiet of nature, a well-worn book. He’s not afraid of hard work, and there’s a steadiness to him that just feels… right. He’s smart, witty and intelligent. He’s the kind of man who can build a fire in the pouring rain and still manage to say something that makes me snort-laugh. And yes, I even detailed his handshake – firm, warm, like coming home.

    Following Delores’s instructions, I’m living as if he’s already here. I catch myself smiling at an empty chair, imagining him sitting there, telling me about his day. I feel the warmth of his hand in mine when I’m out for a walk. It’s almost like he’s a phantom limb, a comforting presence just out of reach.

    Now, the burning question, the one that makes me glance at every pickup truck that rumbles down the road: when does this rugged, flannel-clad dream boat show up on my doorstep?

    Honestly, if the universe had a delivery schedule, I’d have circled the date on my calendar with a big, glittery heart. But it doesn’t work that way, does it? It’s more like waiting for that perfectly aged whiskey – it takes time, and you just have to trust the process.

    So, while my mental image of this man is so vivid I could probably pick him out in a crowd of lumberjacks, I’m also living my life. I’m enjoying my friends, my family, my hobbies, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing I’m worth a love that feels solid and true.

    This amazing man I’ve manifested? He’s out there. The universe has my detailed blueprint. Now, it’s just a matter of time. And while I wait, I’ll keep my porch light on, just in case he happens to have a slightly unreliable GPS and ends up in HooVille a little sooner than expected. A woman deserves to be happy, especially a woman who knows exactly what kind of happiness she’s manifesting – right down to the scent of his aftershave and the comfortable silence they share while watching the sunset. Bring it on, universe. I’m ready.