I’ve taken so many journeys in my life. Some have ended at glorious pools of refreshing cool water. Others have kept me running in circles never to find an end. The ones I find most enjoyable are those that take me on a spiral path. With each turn I have the opportunity to gleen wisdom from past experiences and use that wisdom to face what’s ahead of me.
One particular journey was very disconcerting. It ended at a dimly-lit crossroad. There I stood in the middle of the intersection, barely seeing the roads before me, not knowing which path to take. I stood there for years. I was afraid to take any particular path and it be the Wrong path. It wasn’t until after I made a choice that I realized that no path is ever the Wrong path. There’s always something to learn down every lane.
This latest journey, starting here in Duwamish Bay, feels different from my other travels. I am scattered, chaotic, anxious, ungrounded, and uncentered, oh, and a little lost, too. I feel almost as I did at that crossroad so many years ago.
I’ve settled myself at the Duwamish Inn. I haven’t gone out to meet the rest of the travelers who are obviously enjoying each others company. A smile is brought to my face just by hearing the song of their infectious laughter. I’m not ready to step out into the group. I feel mussed up….on the inside.
For now, I’ll listen to the laughter and excited chatter. I’ll let it wash over me, bringing calmness as I catch my breath and settle in.
Great to see you back, no doubt you will recall everything and feel great. This post was good to read, as that chaos feeling does return to be settled again, I guess.
Hello, Ashley Shea – it’s good to have you with us again. We’ve missed you, but take all the time you need to get back in the groove.
Hi Ashley, I haven’t met you yet cos I am new here, but already feel like I’ve been here for years. Will look forward to meeting you whenever the time is right for you to open the door. The people here in Duwamish Bay are surely the most wonderful bunch of guys that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. And no matter what I say or do, they sing my praises. Talk about feel good!!!
Don’t lurk in those shadows for too long Shari. You will be, as Gail says, back in the groove in no time at all. And like all good soap operas, you can pick up the thread and feel you have never missed an episode.
WELCOME BACK!
I can’t wait to hear more from you
Anita Marie
Glad to have you back. Last time Duwamish did that to me, too. Some of the locals take a bit of getting used to, right, Anita?