the only thing you take with you when you're gone is what you leave behind...
i stared at that statement for a while as i thought about what it meant...but then the meaning took flight in my heart. i smiled. as the year draws to a close i've been pondering what it has meant to me - what will i leave behind as i kiss 2009 goodbye? what will i carry in my heart?
the endurance of trying times. the lesson in charity and faith. the love of friends and the luxury of a support network that has loved me throughout. the gift of new friends flung far and wide across the globe. my heart is very full.
but there remains room for more if we open our hearts, then that miraculous organ expands...and expands...and even expands more. even when we think it might burst - it always has room for more love and more joy and, sadly sometimes more pain. and even when it feels crushed and broken, if you leave it open - it has room for healing. wonderful heart.
and i wonder what 2010 holds for me. i've got to hold the rudder firm and the sheets as they struggle in my hand when the wind whips around me. (sailing talk there - a bit of drama there as i love a good sailing metaphor) i'm not one for resolutions. i make it up as i go along and do mini-resolutions throughout the year - tweaks (sometimes major repairs). yes, there are changes i would like to make...i've already started working on them. just as 2009 brought changes, like clockwork, so will 2010.
dani has challenged me, and you too - to a one-word resolution in 2010. in light (and celebration) of that challenge, i've decided to go with 'journey'. because i see my life as the journey - the path - the adventure. may it be a happy one that leads to many more happy discoveries.
i cannot imagine 2009 without you steady words of honesty and hope along with images with such artistic flair. I have learned much from you this year...day by day..in big and small ways..
ReplyDeleteblessings
elk
This post resonated with me as I have such a year this year too. I hope that 2010 is your best year yet.
ReplyDeleteI have to totally copy Elk's comment. You have been such an inspiration to me in 2009...from your words to your photography. I am so blessed to know you. I look forward to your "journey" in 2010...just know that so many of us are along for the ride. ((hugs))
ReplyDeletegreat choice!
ReplyDeletei really like journey because you don't know what life is going to bring or what you're going to do or how your going to change. i think this word is perfect. and your message is very true! thanks for playing along! i can't wait to work on this and so much more together this year!
ReplyDeletehere's to a soul journey for all of us in the new year...
ReplyDeletefor me... perseverance. Let's hope we both make good on our resolution.
ReplyDeleteJourney is a great word! I love it and I hope you have a wonderful journey through 2010...may it hold more than you expect!
ReplyDeleteI'm still pondering my word.....
I think Journey is a great word. I think this word would have been for me my second choice as this is what changing my blog is all about. To be more reflective of the journey I take in 2010.
ReplyDeleteMy wish for you in 2010 is that you discover many beautiful things along the way.
I often think about what I want to leave behind when I go, you know...go for good. I like the idea of thinking about what we leave behind each year. It feels easier to wrap my arms around. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteelk and caroline....and now me....
ReplyDeleteyes yes yes !!!.....thank you for being part of our lives and giving us hope and inspiration and visually blowing us away !!!
without you in our blogging circle...well, it just wouldn't feel right...it would be more like a square with sharp corners and that would be bad...
I hope you know how much you are adored :)
xo
You have a gift for putting words to your thoughts Char. I enjoy reading them.
ReplyDeleteI read that over and over. The quote is so apt. So inspiring. As you are. I so enjoy reading your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
beautiful thoughts in this post - and journey - what an excellent one word to pick
ReplyDeleteI love that quote. It's so true! And here's to your journey in 2010. I have a feeling it will be an amazing one *clinks make believe champagne glasses with you through the internet*
ReplyDeleteChar, I'm so glad I found your blog through Christine and I am going to think about this one word challenge, seriously :) I love your photo, just perfect for the end of the year.
ReplyDeletexo
I like that your word is journey, you already have taken us on one, you inspired me this year, and I am glad you are in this circle and that you have such an open heart for us.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs.
excellent choice of word for 2010. and what a great quote that is.
ReplyDelete'journey' is an excellent notion when thinking about life and the future. may 2010 bring good things to you. :)
ReplyDeleteChar, what a blessing to have found you in this vast world...a world that has become much smaller than it was a year ago. Your words inspire me to be a better me and your beautiful images capture what's right with the world.
ReplyDeleteThe happiest New Year to you, my friend!
Sometimes, just the right thing comes along at just the right time . . . such is this blog post. A great message; thank you.
ReplyDeleteyour words speak to me here...journey is a beautiful word to live by. my word I picked was LIVE because for so long, i've been so very busy with life but not really living it. 2010 is all about being ALIVE, LIVING and loving the life that has been granted to me.
ReplyDeleteYou are gorgeous Char. I wish I lived next door to you.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I can click on my link to you and visit. Thank you for being here. You are amazing and I love and look forward to being apart of your journey.
x
I'm not one for resolutions, either. Too many years of feeling as if I'd failed. And who needs that?
ReplyDelete