#162: My Own Lifetime Project
#162: My Own Lifetime Project
A perfect path crafted just for me, plus a book and tune for today.
I am a storyteller and, whether my words reach only one or many millions, sharing them is just something I do. To receive so many signs over these past few weeks as I have been out on the road that affirm this life path, a path that I have knowingly and unknowingly chosen, is a gift. I’ve not ever had a plan and, with the exception of times when I came to a complete halt, I have been walking towards something. On the way, there have been times when I found myself at a standstill receiving challenging lessons…ones from which I learned so much.
Life is full of blessings, both greater and lesser. Those lesser ones are the times when I ask, Why does it have to be so hard? Couldn’t there possibly be another way to learn this lesson? Well apparently not…at least, for me. My lessons are perfect and uniquely crafted. Sure, it would be great if I “got it” the first time around, and I’m lucky when I do because when the lesson that I didn’t “get” the first time comes around again it is more difficult until it is so absolutely in my face and so impossible to ignore that when I finally do “get it” I think, How didn’t I see this?
Couldn’t there be another way to learn this lesson?
As I look back on the decades, I see that times were hardest when I stepped off of my own path to help or, more accurately, try to fix someone else. I can lend a hand, give words of encouragement, shine a light on what has worked or not worked for me. But, you know what? I absolutely can. not. “fix” anyone…except myself. Not always do I succeed but I do very much try to walk with intention and integrity. I am my own lifetime project trying my best to figure out why I am here, what my gifts are, and how to offer them to others.
Book for Today
Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry
This weekend, along with the precious gift of time and space, I was gifted a book. It begins with a quote from Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry, a book I read when it was published in 2000.
“There are moments when the heart is generous, and then it knows that for better or worse our lives are woven together here, one with one another and with the place and all the living things.” —Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry
I was very fortunate to meet Wendell Berry and his wife in Seattle in 2000. I knew that there was a very real possibility he would be coming to turn compost as a part of the Celebrity Compost Program at a Seattle P-Patch where I was active at the time. I piled Duncan and his friend David, who were both 13, in to the car telling them, We’re going to turn compost with Wendell Berry. This may not mean anything to you now, but later it will. And, so off we set, driving from the Olympic Peninsula to Seattle, on another one of “Mom’s Crazy Home School Field Trips”, me knowing that this was a once in a lifetime event.
The photo below is not of Wendell Berry turning compost, but it is a photo of the first naked bicyclist of the now infamous Fremont Solstice Parade turning compost at the P-Patch. When Wendell came to turn compost, he wore his clothes.
Song for Today
“Those Were the Days” sung by Mary Hopkin
And if you are interested in some of the history of this song, here’s a link for you, too.
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That song brings back memories for sure (the naked backside, not so much!). The most important lessons are those learned though hard knocks. If we're lucky, we learn to get out of our own way. Sounds like you have. Best of luck as you continue your lifetime project.
Dear Kate,
Warm wishes to you.
Thank you for keeping me in the loop.
xo