Release
The word I have chosen as my focus this year is Release.
This, in part, is an extension of my word from past year(s), Simplify.
To me, the concept of release captures letting go of clutter, yes, but also unhealthy emotional attachments, and release of pre-conceived notions of who I should be, and what my life should look like.
There are all these messages, these stories, of what an ideal life looks like. Many of them picked up as children, from the grown-ups around us. That young, you feel like the adults know it all. It isn’t until decades later you realize everyone was making it up as they went along.
The standards – marriage, steady growing career, home, pets or children – are comfortable. They are reinforced through our media and our social interactions. They feel like the safe choice, the best option. But all they are is a story.
So this year I plan to challenge the tropes life has fed me. Let go of who I’m supposed to be to let in who I am. I am both excited and anxious about this process, what if I don’t like who I am? What if the deep-down real me is more of a disappointment than me trying to live to those societal norms.
But then, every story has its challenges. And one of the things I love about writing is flipping expectations on their heads. Time to explore that off the page, as well.
Don’t forget who u r is just fine. You have a wonderful husband who understands your struggles and a family who loves you. What more is there then to respect others and be kind an loving. Please don’t beat yourself up In life we should always look at ourselves an improve what we can. Love yourself as we love you. Always. Mom
You never fit within societal norms. That’s what makes you who you are.
I remember meeting you in high school and so many memories that are little pieces of you. We are all just making it up as we go.