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I could go for vulnerable about now...and a long vacation across the pond

4.25.2012





































"knowledge is important, but only if we're being kind and gentle with ourselves as we work to discover who we are. wholeheartedness is as much about embracing our tenderness and vulnerability as it is about developing knowledge and claiming power."


this whirlwind of discovery is indeed exciting as i find that i have so much more
confidence and ability than i have ever allowed myself to admit. here i am.
learning who i am, and finding pleasant surprises as i write more than i ever thought i
could write, expressing my thoughts and feelings in unusual circumstances because
i'm finally getting used to the power of this voice inside of me.


however, i find brene brown's advice so incredibly appropriate as i make a moment
in my busy day/week/month to acknowledge that the tenderness and vulnerability inside me
is still there, and plays an important role on this journey. yes, i am finding power in
confidence, honesty, and action. but after taking a couple moments today to first enjoy
the light of the sunrise, and then to enjoy to slowness of the setting sun i feel that i need
to reconnect to my heart...the part of me that needs to listen to a lone violin or a piano sonata;
the part of me that needs to listen to the rhythm of my own breath; the part of me that wants
to cry because life is so achingly beautiful and far too short.


as much as finding myself is an incredible journey, i am looking forward to some down time
next month when i get to "hop across the pond," as marte would say, to visit her on her island in
norway, then to join her in rome where ceej will meet us and whisk me away to chamonix and paris.
thank goodness for frequent flier miles, gracious hostesses, and ceej for making this happen.
i need this idyllic vacation after making great shifts and changes in my life.
my heart needs me.

9 comments:

Cloudia said...

What a magical flight your life seems to this happily island-bound girl!



Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral

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N said...

It seems like a lot of us are trying to find ourselves and our inner peace and confidence this year. I am so happy that you are discovering just that and the beauty in the tranquility that one can encounter in the world around us.

I really like what you said about accepting the vulnerability. I think you are so right in this. I think that by not accepting it, we become weaker because we refuse to acknowledge its presence. I think I have become a victim to this. But to be aware of it and to accept it is a part of you, it has made you stronger, because you have learned how to actually enjoy that vulnerability. I have to do this for myself. It seems freeing.

And how exciting about Europe! I would love to go where you are going! How wonderful! Like I said on facebook, if you get a spare minute, you are more than welcome to come visit/stay with me here in Henley.

Have a wonderful vacation, Ann Marie! You deserve it! :)

Kimmy said...

Beautiful words, and ones that especially speak to me at this time in my life. I've been trying to eliminate distraction and know myself more, which is very difficult with all the noise around me, but I'm working on it, and that's what matters! And thank you for mentioning Brene Brown. I'd never heard of her, but her book "The Gifts of Imperfection" looks excellent, and I've added it to my reading list.

Another thank you just because your blog is lovely and people like you are a valuable part of this world. And your photographs are inspiring!

Gabriela said...

Girl, the more I read about you, the more I would love to have you nearer and be your friend.
As said before, it seems that a couple of us are in a changing times and personally I think that's something very, very good, scary sometimes, but good.
Don't let the "musts" and the responsabilities in yor day by day make you forget about yourself, there is only just one life...
Kisses from far away!!!!!

Angy is my name. said...

Sending ethereal courage your way.... how wonderful the alchemy that perspective and self analysis allows us... to change fear and vulnerability into something precious and then transform it again into character building assets ... thank you for your authenticity. Can't wait to see the pics from your vacation.

Inge said...

What a coincidence that you seem to be reading Brene Brown's book too. I'm in the middle of the guideposts and setting aside an hour at the end of the day to read them. I love this book and it's message of being yourself. Finding yourself first, well that's quite the journey. Luckily, like you, I'm off on an actual journey (to Canada) in a little less than three weeks. I'm certain this will help with the process and I hope it will do the same for you.

Anonymous said...

i see myself in struggles you capture with your words

RetreatingAndAdvancing said...

That vacation sounds perfect! I'm going to visit norway in autumn and can't wait!

kat evans said...

Thank you for sharing Brene Brown's words.
After reading your post, I realize
there are many of us who are trying
to reconnect with ourselves, truly
reaching within to find an old friend.
I wish you and Ceej the best as you
travel!