March Love Notes Part II: Even when you know …
On March 20th we honored the spring equinox … a new season, a time of new beginnings, an intentional moment to hit reset. And I, too, took the opportunity to press pause and reset in my life.
This time of the semester is particularly challenging as stress and fatigue weigh heavily, not only on students, but faculty. Conference season is in full swing and agendas are booked! For me, this means intentional downtown is rare but necessary.
But what it also means is that I long for more invigorating exchanges – less depleting ones. I long for more genuine connections and less questionable ones. I crave belonging and ease (one of of my TWO words for this year) and less force, confusion or doubt. And EVEN WHEN I KNOW the seasons are shifting, it still hurts.
It hurts to say goodbye to a friend you thought would be a lifelong sojourner. It hurts to say goodbye to relationship you’ve invested with time and energy. It stings to say these teaching practices are outdated and not advantageous for the current audience. It can feel unimaginable to say so long to THE partner you thought you’d be building your next chapter with. And yet, it happens.
This week and beyond, as we move deeper into spring I encourage you to – as I continue to as well – consider that even as much as you know, it still hurts. Grief hurts. Loss hurts. Endings hurt. BUT we can begin again.
On today and every other day I encourage myself to begin again. I acknowledge my shortcomings of yesterday. I accept all the ways I fall short today. And again, and again, and again … I begin again *even when I know* what feels like starting over is a continuation of this amazing, marvelous, blessed and fruitful journey along this path called life.
Gwenda
Once again, your insight is both timely and power packed. I read this when you first posted but forgot to comment. I have decided to turn my hurt into steppingstones for greater happiness. It will not be easy, but I am up for the challenge. As I am preparing to say goodbye to the life I have built in Wilmington, I will take many lessons with me into my next chapter.
Thanks for sharing. Continue to write and inspire the greatness that lies within each of us. Love you Sunbeam.
Sabrina
Mrs. Gwenda, your replies are always a sweet reminder that I am writing to and for *the one.* You’ve been such a beautiful blessing in my life and I WILL see you before you leave. Until then, during this Holy Week AND as you prepare to celebrate another year around the sun, know you are loved & deeply cared for! Talk soon and as always, thanks for reading. XO