I have been
on a pity party since October, when my relationship with my boyfriend of 4 ½
years ended just a day before my birthday; making it more memorable. My
attention was redirected on January 1, 2021 when my Facebook friend Jessica
Jorge Watters posted a message on her wall that sparked my curiosity. I made that question my task of the day, and
I started to search within my soul for the answer to the question she posted.
Her comment was “…2020 was the year of learning. 2021 is the year of living.
The path is fresh. How are you choosing to show up? How do you choose to live
the lessons you learned last year”? That
was deep, and for deep thinkers like me that question was like a fire for my
soul.
I always
believe that nature is my healing force and that is why I love to go away and
be engulfed in its power. I usually learn from nature and I also feel that God
speaks to me through it. My backyard faces the Merrimack river and before the
pandemic I did not spend much time there unless I had party or friends over. I
have also been much more attune to the river in the last 9 months than I ever
was before. When the pandemic started, and the doggie day care was closed, my
routine changed, and I made an effort to walk the dogs alongside its banks 2-4 times
a day. I never noticed how beautiful the river truly is and how different it
was every day. I have learned so much from this unexpected teacher and I wanted to
share 20 of the lessons that I have learned from it.
My apologies
if I attach human emotions or qualities to the river as those are the only ones
I know. For this entry, the river will be female, as it reflects the qualities
of empowered and strong women. The language of the river is much easier to
understand than I thought, and I just needed to pay attention.
The
river…
1)
Always flows towards her
goal, not to the left or to the right just ahead.
2)
She is not stopped by any
obstacles in her path. I have seen her going around and over rocks, branches,
and anything that chooses to cross her path.
3)
Is unapologetic when she
slows down or is in a rush.
4)
Gives life to others.
5)
Gives more than it takes.
6)
Adjust to her surroundings
without changing course, goals, or losing her purpose.
7)
Allows the Creator to lead
and guide her journey.
8)
Is always present, day and
night, summer or winter, rain, or snow. Nothing prevents her from showing up.
9)
Does not stop to complaint or
ask for explanations when mankind deviates her path. She just goes along
following her purpose.
10) Is focused and does not get distracted.
11) Is in constant motion.
12) Rejoices in the rain and seems to swell with joy understanding the purpose and need of the rain.
13) Serves as a mirror to whoever looks in.
14) Is a great listener and never interrupts.
15) Loves to travel and recognizes the beauty in it.
16) Renews herself constantly,
as the river you see in the morning is not the same you see at night.
17) Never leaves a journey incomplete. Always finishes what she
starts.
18) Is patient and is aware that fast or slow she will always
reach her destiny.
19) Leaves a mark wherever she touches.
20) Does not feel the need to explain her existence. She just
exists!
I am looking forward to this year and to put into practice
the lessons learned. Life is beautiful and I am going to start by focusing on
my goals and flow towards them, unapologetically and without distractions. I am
choosing to count my blessings and not my loses and just like the river, I am
going to rejoice in the rain.
