today, tomorrow & every day – THOUGHTS ON LIVING A BRAVE AND REAL AND GORGEOUS LIFE. Written by M.H. Clark and illustrated by Jill Labieniec.
Here are my continued thoughts on this amazing book I received as a gift.
She hadn’t always been this way. She hadn’t always been as strong and resilient and brave and joyful.
Like any garden or work of art, it had taken her a long time to make things the way there were. To learn. To arrange. To rearrange.
Sometimes, she grew as such in one year as others do in five. It showed in her spirit. In her laugh. It looked and it sounded like wisdom. And she liked it that way.
53 years. I’ve come along way. The change really started noticeably happening when I turned 50. But seeds were planted long before that. Life events that required me to be strong and resilient and brave… and joyful…regardless.
At times I stayed the same for many years. Other times I grew more quickly. I can look back now and see those moments in time.
- Moving away from everyone and everything I knew and loved, to teach in California at the ripe old age of 23!
- Moving back home to WA to pursue a job near family and not having success… back to CA I went!
- Living alone in a strange house during a large earthquake.
- Getting married at the age of 34… step-parenting with an ex that hated me!
- Moving to a new city in CA and getting a new job… starting over.
- Caring for my step daughter as she recovered from a horrific accident and a traumatic brain injury. (This one made me brave and strong and resilient and selfless)
- Divorce… everything I ever believed about myself was challenged and questioned.
- Sold my condo and moved back to WA.
- New job… again.
- Bought a house on my own.
- Married the love of my life… step parent to three young children.
- Lost both parents and one of my sisters.
- Turned 50 and said, “The hell with it! I’m done trying to please everyone!”
Now I continue on this journey to live a brave and real and gorgeous life! I’ve got a lot of scars and old wounds to heal, as well as many wonderful memories to hold on to! I’ve listened to many people who have shared wisdom and counsel with me. I’ve shared my experiences with many… passing along the same. I’ve also talked less and listened more. I was recently told by someone very special to me that talking to me brought her peace. That must be what wisdom looks and sounds like. Jesus in skin.
How have you changed over time? What has happened your life to make you strong and resilient?
Thoughts and Reflections on Life 
Loved this blog entry Jenny! What a journey. So thrilled that you planted in WA again and are getting that happy ending with Brian….not that it is an ending. Also love the photo with this entry.