How to live
There are days like today when I almost can’t keep up with the stream of vibrant thoughts and plans flooding my head. And then there are days like yesterday, days when the fears and worries take hold and my internal sun is hidden behind a black cloud. It’s amazing to me how my emotions can swing so wildly when every twenty- four hours is seemingly the same, but these days I am learning how to keep my balance when the tightrope wobbles. Breathing slowly and with intention; opening my diary or art journal and letting myself express what it is I am feeling; sipping tea and giving myself half an hour with an inspiring book; cosying under a blanket on the sofa in the evening and watching a DVD that makes me laugh; a candle-lit bath before bed. These small things bring back the equilibrium when the walls threaten to crumble. I’m learning, I’m coping, and each day I live a little bit more fully.
“these days I am learning how to keep my balance when the tightrope wobbles”
That’s a huge lesson y’know, Susannah, and one many people never learn.
Good goddess, I must be your mirror this week because yesterday was hell and today ~ well I just managed to GET ON WITH IT. (The lack of hangover helped ;-))
Love x x x x x
It is the small things that help the most…x
gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!
This is how it is for me as well…mood varying by the minute, not the hour. I’m seeking balance here as well. YOUR JOURNAL IS GORGEOUS.
Love to you,
D.
mm, beautifully said. and wow, i love the journal pages here!
Your post mirrored my feelings so well.. I’m learning, too. And being gentle to yourself to cope better really helps, all these little things eventually add up to something wonderful. xo
Hi S,
I’m here from Finding Water. Those activities sound like they work toward helping you find that balance to ground you, to use JC’s term from her book. That need to find balance is the strongest reason I joined the FW online group, stronger than “needing inspiration” although I’m open to new ideas.
GORGEOUS journal pages!
Nice to meet you.
(I’m sorry; I thought I was signed in through my typepad account already. I’ll just fill it in here.)
i love when you share your journals with us, each time i think oh this is my favorite but really, this one is my favorite.
it sounds like you’re finding the way to ease your soul and also, to ride with your feelings as they come in.
sometimes my mood will change within minutes but i’m trying very hard to change the darkness with light and the negative to the good.
your words here offer me solace because it can be lonely when you’re in it.
Hello sweetie!
Recently I watched a film which I found
absolutely gorgeous in it’s “look”
it was quite “painterly” and inspired
thoughts for my photos…
it’s an older film and I am sure you
might have seen it but just in case
you didn’t..
it’s called “girl with a pearl earing”
hugs:)
Hello sweetie!
Recently I watched a film which I found
absolutely gorgeous in it’s “look”
it was quite “painterly” and inspired
thoughts for my photos…
it’s an older film and I am sure you
might have seen it but just in case
you didn’t..
it’s called “girl with a pearl earing”
hugs:)
Susannah,
You are doing well suz. I’m happy for every good day you have. Relax meditation; way to go ;-)
U.rel
how absolutely wonderful :)
stunning journal pages!!
ah, the wobbly tightrope… I’m picturing us both on it -a daring circus act- and lots of other blogging lovelies on either end of the rope, stretching out a hand for us to grab when we reach the end of the line… and more of them far below, forming a safety net… and all of them smiling big, wide, proud smiles when we regain our balance after each of those moments in which we falter…
it’s a soothing thought.
Vx
Oh my goodness, I know. My emotions do the same and it gets very tiring and confusing, especially when the days are virtually alike… the up-and-down almost makes me wonder what’s “for real” and what isn’t. But I guess they’re all real and happening for different reasons at different times. These words aren’t coming out how I want them to, so I’m gonna close this comment. My emotions are kinda on a short fuse tonight and getting teary-eyed easily when I can’t find words to say…. just left a therapy appt where the words just wouldn’t come and I was getting SO frustrated. So good night, and thank you for your comment…. it was such a fun surprise to see some words from you. Just to recap, I liked this post. :)
That is a perfect collage for this post, Susannah. Keep your eye focused on the prize, in this case your new life in London, and you’ll make it through the wobbly days.
Yep… I’m working through my cycles too… Regaining my energy now so I can get on with the dreams… those sweet dreams… that need me living fully! x
It’s so good to hear the positive tone in this post. Keep looking foward, even when you don’t want to. It’s the key to everything.
Good luck!
What a wonderful and inspiring post. I recognize this shift in feelings. Watching funny movies and a warm bath sounds like a great way to deal with this.
Hugs to you,
Sophie
Thank you, thank you for those needful words. And thank you again.
Namaste, my friend~
Graciel
Thank you, thank you for those needful words. And thank you again.
Namaste, my friend~
Graciel
Another beautiful journal page! I question this same thing. How in the world do I go from being so upbeat and excited one day to feeling beat down and questioning everything the next. I end up feeling extremely unbalanced and unsure of myself. I suppose that when we are embarking on new journeys in our life, these types of emotional swings are inherent to the process. Regardless, I feel hindered by them.
I love reading your methods of creating the balance and harmony that you need. It is a wonderful reminder.
xoxoxoxo
you, my love, inspire me so much. this is something i was thinking around and about in the past few days (albeit, WAAAY less clearly) and you provided a gentle and loving reminder. i am so glad that we have met and are journeying together on this path….
Love your posts. Love your art.
((hugs))
…yesss.
((you))
oxoxox
:)
I love the new look of your blog, and the glimpses of your art diary
ahhh’….expressed like sunshine peeking through the folds of a cotton curtain….lovely! :>
I think you’re doing beautifully, feeling the range of emotion, letting the world in through you lens and being the wonderful spirit that you truly are. Much peace, love and thanks for you kind words during my healing …xo, JP
Oh Susannah, I want to take your journal art and put it on my wall to remind me that each day and each night as my letting go continues I am on a path also trodden by women like you. Beautiful, talented, inspiring, darling women like you.
xx
Wise words, Susannah – balancing, even when the tightrope wobbles. That’s the trick! xo
Oh friend, I hope things get easy for you. Your art is a beautiful thing.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful pages!
The candle-lit bath deal is a nightly occurance for me. I get the range of emotions … and really, I’m either operating in Fear or in Love. Today, has been a Love day. Peace.
Hi,
I have been lurking on your site for about six months now…I love reading what you write, and I love every poem you choose to post. Many of the poems you post are written by Carol Ann Duffy; I’m thinking of buying a book or two of hers…what would you suggest to get started with her poetry? Any other writers like her that you’d also suggest? I’m definitely sticking around to read you…thank you for that.
Jenn
Keep the ink flowing and balance well.