I love this Michele! I struggled as a child and teenager to connect with my mom. We were never close because she was always busy with my two younger siblings. Somewhere, in my mind, I believed she just didn’t love me. I became very independent and resentful as a teenager. But even through these years I listened to her, watched her cook, clean, nurture the younger children, and wished I could be the one she could talk to. Today she has been gone 8 years and I am finding strange likenesses of her around. Being able to whip up a gourmet dinner with little of nothing, walking by the piano and playing some melody I have never heard (created by me), seeing little things that are her. I am finding some comfort in this. I am developing more art skills that I never knew I had. She always told me this was my talent, art and music. These days I find myself doing silly things……sitting in the bathtub drawing with my blue shampoo, seeing how many values I can make, rearranging my rocks in the garden by color, value, shapes. Looking at a tree, rose, or sky and deciphering the colors that God put together to form them. This is my new world and I’m seeing many memories of my childhood redeveloping. I think I’m more happy now 😊
This idea... remembering how to float.... What hope it brings! After a season of challenged creativity, I so appreciate your vulnerable and inspiring story. Thank you. Here is to first strokes.
Sharon, I am SO happy you enjoyed it. Have such a meaningful community here online has helped me find new levels of bravery. Thank you for your encouragement!
Completely engaging and beautiful. Your descriptions are rich and poignant. Reading your essay is deeply powerful and spoke to the cradling impact of healing. Thank you so very much.
This is so beautifully written. Thank you for sharing and thank you for the reminder that I should get back on the water. It's been years since I swam for me, not just sitting in the kiddy paddling pool or wading around with kids hanging off me. I need to get back into the water where I feel calm and HELD!
Beautifully expressed and written. Congratulations on your swim! xo
Thank you so much Anthea!
I love this Michele! I struggled as a child and teenager to connect with my mom. We were never close because she was always busy with my two younger siblings. Somewhere, in my mind, I believed she just didn’t love me. I became very independent and resentful as a teenager. But even through these years I listened to her, watched her cook, clean, nurture the younger children, and wished I could be the one she could talk to. Today she has been gone 8 years and I am finding strange likenesses of her around. Being able to whip up a gourmet dinner with little of nothing, walking by the piano and playing some melody I have never heard (created by me), seeing little things that are her. I am finding some comfort in this. I am developing more art skills that I never knew I had. She always told me this was my talent, art and music. These days I find myself doing silly things……sitting in the bathtub drawing with my blue shampoo, seeing how many values I can make, rearranging my rocks in the garden by color, value, shapes. Looking at a tree, rose, or sky and deciphering the colors that God put together to form them. This is my new world and I’m seeing many memories of my childhood redeveloping. I think I’m more happy now 😊
Elissa, this is so tender and beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
This idea... remembering how to float.... What hope it brings! After a season of challenged creativity, I so appreciate your vulnerable and inspiring story. Thank you. Here is to first strokes.
For first strokes and more floats! I'm here for it. So glad that it's helpful Debra. Thank you for being here.
Wonderful share and very well written. Thank you!
Renee, thank you so much!
Loved the flow of your story - it truly was held by water.
And the analogue water/creativity, what a buzz went through me as I was reading your words!
Thank you!
All teary eyed 🥹
Katriina
Katriina, that means so much. Thank you!
That was so beautiful!
Carla, thank you! 🥰
I really enjoyed reading this. What a brave strong woman you are!
Sharon, I am SO happy you enjoyed it. Have such a meaningful community here online has helped me find new levels of bravery. Thank you for your encouragement!
Beautiful story and so inspiring for aspiring creatives - and swimmers!!
Beautiful! Your words held and carried me, much like the reflecting, shimmering waters you quenched parts of my soul with. Thank you!
Completely engaging and beautiful. Your descriptions are rich and poignant. Reading your essay is deeply powerful and spoke to the cradling impact of healing. Thank you so very much.
Beautiful. I will employ your relaxed swimming advice with my grands who attack the water. Thank you 😊
This is so beautifully written. Thank you for sharing and thank you for the reminder that I should get back on the water. It's been years since I swam for me, not just sitting in the kiddy paddling pool or wading around with kids hanging off me. I need to get back into the water where I feel calm and HELD!