Flexibility + Strength = Resilience
I am flexible yet strong in times of change.
Daily Word, July 22, 2019
‘Complicated’ is the word that used to come to mind when I would think of my relationship with my mom. Yet at 81 years of age, she has blown me away with how much insight she has into my character. Here’s a beautiful gift she gave me from the Daily Word, July 22, 2019:
There is a natural order to life that I can trust. Life has taught me that while change is inevitable, I need not worry. As I remain present to changes in my life and in the world, I strive to remain open to the flow of good. Flexibility is my strength. Like a willow tree in a windstorm, I remain grounded.
When I feel concern for myself or a loved one, I take a moment to be silent. Letting go of limiting patterns or worries about the future, I release resistance and open to divine inspiration. I realign myself so I can approach every life situation with a sense of grace and ease. From a centered state of mind, I affirm: I am flexible yet strong in times of change.
Resilience
The piece I’ve just shared is titled ‘Resilience.’ What ‘s so interesting about these words is their connection to recent events and my mom’s eerie sixth sense. Here’s a brief overview of my experience at the “Daring To Own Your Story” Women’s Retreat.
For far too long, I’ve seen the value in other people that I felt was lacking in myself. Embracing doubt, fear, anxiety, and a sense of worthlessness has long been my M.O. at the retreat, something remarkable happened. This experience would take me to the National Ability Center where I’d find strength in my vulnerability.
Becky Andrews of Resilient Solutions Inc. challenged me and nine other blind and visually impaired women to own our stories. Through our shared connection of sight loss, in four days we developed a sisterhood many people long to acquire. At the retreat, we participated in a number of group activities like archery, hiking, biking, and the challenge course.
So much has happened in my life recently it’s been hard to obtain clarity. The death of one friend, cancer diagnosis of another, then traveling out of state several times in one month has been taxing. I’ve been afraid of falling behind here at Bold Blind Beauty yet life continues in spite of these events. I’m so grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way. Receiving my mom’s message on resiliency was the icing on the cake.
Image Descriptions:
- Header: In this photo, I am 45 feet above the ground crossing a log suspended in mid-air. One of the course staff members guided me across by walking backward as I held her left hand.
- A gallery of three images showing me in stages of climbing the rock wall.
- Another gallery of three photos showing a group of us at the summit of our hike. A group photo of everyone who biked and a photo of Becky and me posing in the bike shed.