Celebrating the Ordinary: Day Four
At this just about half-way point in our week of celebrating the ordinary, I wanted to check in with you all and see how you are finding this exercise. You have certainly surpassed my expectations! Not only have you been posting beautiful images, but you have been providing us with bittersweet stories, glimpses of our other lives, and as always, wonderful writing.
I have come to realize that in the midst of suffering, we can still find something to celebrate. For me, this is a vital part of my own healing and recovery. This exercise is not about denying the pain in our lives, but in acknowledging that, though broken sometimes, we can still be touched and healed by the beauty of the ordinary. In the words of Dorothy Rowe…” a piece of music, a shaft of light, a landscape, a flower, a tree, a picture – knowing that you can be reached, and can even respond, even a little, even if only for a moment, is a tiny first step…..”
Marie,
Last year losing James and his son on the same day was more than I could bear. For the first six months, I was numb about James. All of my conscious efforts were spent dealing with an angry young man who needed, but refused help. His intense anger manifested itself to the point I lived in fear of him. When I let go of that fear, only then did the full impact of James’ death hit me. This is the most I’ve said about that, because I think you understand the deep and sometimes unexpected effects of loss and grief. It’s nearly too much to handle.
I thank you for this exercise because it’s put a camera in my hands, again, something I’ve never been without until James died. While I’ve come so far since last year, and have resumed much of my life with joy, some of the little things have fallen by the wayside. Here’s today’s link to Day 3, celebrating rain. It’s ordinary, precious, life-giving and sometimes rare. http://bit.ly/Rs2gMI
XOXOXO,
Brenda
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Marie, I love that quote, and appreciate your reflections on this exercise. It’s been so cathartic for me. In fact, I look forward to finding the beauty in a new “ordinary” each day. Today’s post for me is at http://janhasak.com/blog/?p=2467.
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Brenda, my heart goes out to you…I think of you often and the pain you have been through. Jan,. I think of all your heartache too and you both inspire me with your courage, resilience and faith. Looking forward to reading your contributions.
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Marie, this exercise propelled me out of a blog writing block, and I’m thankful to you for that! I have surgery next week, and I was afraid the blog would slip into oblivion as I dealt with the emotional wave that I know is headed my way as I come to the end of my reconstruction journey. Thank for reminding us that the ordinary can have extraordinary impact! xoxo http://thebigcandme.blogspot.com/2012/08/celebrating-ordinary-day-4.html
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Marie,
This exercise was a salvation to me. During the summer I had a medical scare, and this celebrating of the ordinary has snapped me out of the depression. I have many wonderful blessings in my life, and your challenge has reminded me of that. Thank you!
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Beth and Renn, what can I say? Your comments have humbled and moved me deeply. it has been incredible to me how everyone has taken this so much to their hearts. I feel as if I got a special gift this week..new eyes to see..and a new heart to feel joy in the ordinary magic of life xxx
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It has been such a privilege to walk alongside you in recent weeks, sharing your burden a wee bit. Now this challenge, which came from the ashes of your crucible, is renewing my spirit as well.
Jamie
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Oh Jamie, what a wonderful thing to say! You really touched me with your words..thank you and thank you for all your loving support – it means the world to me x
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Marie, Thank you for reminding me that no matter what is going on in our lives we need to celebrate what we are grateful for. I love how many wonderful posts you have inspired and I thank you for inspiring me to be a part of this. XOXOXO- Susan http://a4bc.wordpress.com/2012/08/29/celebrating-the-extra-ordinary-extrordinary-her-name-is-shelby/
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Hi Susan, thanks for your kind words and for joining in with this challenge..I am looking forward to reading your contribution 🙂
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Marie, I am so late on Day Four, but finally it’s here. Although it’s about my daughter’s hands, it sent me back to the weekend before my mastectomy – just eight months ago. Thank you for that. It was important for me to “go there.”
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A challenging day but in many ways an ordinary day. This song helps me to remember my strength http://www.martinebrennan.com/4/post/2012/08/we-grow-strong.html
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