As I move from 55 to 56 tomorrow, I do so with deep gratitude for all the years past, but more especially for this last year. It’s been a very different year, and not just because of the pandemic.
From 55 to 56
As crazy as this sounds, I feel like I finally grew up this year! Ha ha…yes, it’s true. Moving from 55 to to 56 involved learning to stand up for myself a lot better, walk away from people and things that no longer helped me grow and make deliberate choices for my own well-being.
The year also with it sorrow at the loss of our dear dog, Pablo. I never expected to be hit by such grief at his passing, but I was. Learning to accept that grief and made me realize that there was a lot more where that came from. I hadn’t mourned other losses in the way I should have. What saw me through is my commitment to my Morning Pages and my journaling. I discovered a lot more about the inner workings of my mind and heart and I made peace with parts of myself, I had ignored before.
This year, more than ever, I realized how short life is. I wasn’t about to waste it running things that didn’t matter. I focused on myself and my significant others and tried to live in the moment.
You have to remember one life, one death–this one! To enter fully the day, the hour, the moment whether it appears as life or death…requires only a moment, this moment.
– Stephen Levine
Saying ‘Yes’
Since January 2021, I’ve been working on my Word of the Year, which is ‘Yes’ and I find myself starting to say ‘yes’ to things that matter.
In the last few months, I’ve been focusing on learning and growth a lot more too and I can see that paying off in the choices I make on a day to day basis. I’m writing more. And slowly, reclaiming parts of myself that I had lost, with my spirituality being a big part of this.
Moving from 55 to 56 has been a meaningful and grace-filled experience.
Joining Kate Mataung for Five Minute Friday. Today’s prompt is : From
I guess I’m two years behind you on this, but better late than never. Well done, Corinne – and I love the look of your blog. It is quite peaceful and very “grown up” in a good way. (Yes, there is “grown up in a bad way,” and I hope neither of us ever goes THERE.)
Thank you, Holly. I did want to go with Divi as you know, but stuck to a new theme on Genesis.
And about being grown up, I agree – I want to be madly grown up! 😉
Happy Birthday!
Thank you, Sandra.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Simone Biles’ Brave Act Of Self-Care
Wish you a very happy birthday, Corinne!
I too learned a lot in the past few years, more this past year, though. How lucky we are when we realize that things that go wrong are actually teaching us to learn so much and become better people! It isn’t easy dealing with the changes, but that’s what changes us for the better. I just hope I remember these words when I need them the most!
Thank you, Shilpa. Yes, we’re blessed with awareness and the realisation that pain brings growth.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Persistence In Practice
Losing a fur baby can be so difficult, Corinne. I’m glad you found ways to cope with Pablo’s loss. Reclaiming parts of ourselves is also important work, something I’ve been focusing on this year too. I guess the pandemic has been a big teacher for a lot of us! Here’s wishing you a spectacular 56! Look forward to reading a lot more of your wonderful writing.
Shinjini recently posted..“Comfort women” and the cost of war on women’s bodies
I’ve lost dogs before, Shinjini – but this was so much harder.
I think for us introverts, this year has had less pressure of socializing and therefore more space and energy to look deeper within.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Simone Biles’ Brave Act Of Self-Care
Happy Birthday, once more! Here’s wishing you a wonderfully fulfilling and gratifying year ahead, Corinne, just the kind that you’d love to thrive in. It’s so important to keep the focus on all those things that matter the most and I’m sure you’ll continue to do so in the days to come.
I can only imagine how much you miss Pablo! Some voids are like that—they can never be filled!
Hugs, Corinne!
Thank you, Esha. Lovely wishes and even if it’s not your birthday, I wish you the same! ♥
Happy Birthday, Corinne!
Every day is a learning experience in one way or the other!
Wish you good luck, lots of happiness and good health.
Birthday blessings, Corinne! Like the new look and looking forward to reading more. Best and blessings, Michele
Belated Happy Birthday. It is great that you are able to recognize and celebrate your growth. Thanks for your post.
Hope you had a great birthday, Corinne! This year has been tough for all of us. I am glad you’ve been able to dive into so much positivity. Much love.