Love Letter #12 ~ The Ebb and Flow of Life

Dear Self,

One day when I was a young adult, I sat on the beach.  Actually, I sat on the beach many days, but on this particular one, I remember thinking that life was like the ocean–it ebbed and flowed.  In the flow state, everything worked great.  The family was fine, bills were paid, and worries were few.  Then the tide turned.  Situations that life secretly created to test my faith and abilities quietly swelled until waves of chaos crashed onto my peaceful life. Yet, solutions eventually emerged and life once again became calm, like the ocean spilling over the sandy shore.

My life played out this way over the last couple of months.  Things were going smoothly.  I had no complaints. Then the tide turned.  My sister entered the hospital –the one who was my father’s caregiver, the one who helped me when I was caregiver for our mother.  God chose to take her to His home, not release her back to us.

Now that the turbulence has settled, I have not.  I seek balance between added obligations and self-care. I wonder whether I should focus on my obligations and sacrifice my self-care practices, or  prioritize my self-care practices over my obligations.  I question how I can do both.  When I discussed this dilemma with my six pack, I was reminded that I cannot eliminate my self-care practices.  Otherwise, I will not be any good for anyone.

So, as I strive for that peaceful state of being, I’m going to be like a seagull.  I’m going to adapt to my new situation and welcome what’s on the horizon.  At the same time, I’m going to continue my self-care practices.  I have survived life’s latest wave, and now I’m ready to flow.

Lovingly,

Self