WiseMindedLiving

As my life transitions into something different I ponder about the power of pausing.  Being mindful about our lives has become a buzz word but really, what is mindfulness?  For me it seems to be purposefully pausing.  For me the word pause is much friendlier then stop…pause means I can continue on with my life …after I take a moment.  Pausing…is helping me get through the heartache and pain but it also is allowing me to find glimpses of joy and hope.  Pausing is allowing me to do what Ryleigh wanted – to explore, live a life of caring and kindheartedness, and follow her dreams and mine.

The challenge to get through each day as being  burdened by the loss of Ryleigh is one that will never go away.  However, there is an ebb and flow of my grief…time is allowing me to build that bridge over the hole that will be forever there.   However, when I do take the time to pause…find ways to slow down and honour my feelings…I can focus on what continues to be important to me.

First and foremost – I am so blessed to have Chloe at home.  Chloe’s youthful joy and zest for life keeps my spirits up. Chloe  has found the way to pause for her own well being.  She definitely knows the way to mindfulness. Chloe has been so generous with her love and understanding.     I absolutely love the fact that she is so attached to all her critters.  She has found a way to help heal her own wounded heart  with caring so lovingly with her critters- dogs, guinea pigs, and her rabbit.  Her excitement and love for these creatures is wonderous.  Chloe demonstrates a power of pausing when she slows down and focuses on her furry friends, takes a nap, plays her computer games, and exploring youtube.  She is an amazing young woman and I learn from her every day.

Pausing for me has not been as easy but I am working on it.  It is slowing down and appreciating one thing at a time.  It is being outside without my phone, music, CBC radio.  It is listening to the sounds of nature as I dig and explore my garden.  It is focusing on the smells of the garden – slowing my mind down to not what I have to do but what I want to do.

Being purposeful about my life realizes that I need to let go of the ties that are anchoring me down in a way that are not allowing me heal and grow.  Yet, holding on to the ones that are holding me together….such as my daughters, my passions for writing, reading, educating, and the hopefulness shared towards  me by my close friends and family.  It is their strength that helps me get through and manage each day.

Pausing is  being quiet and still.  Reflecting in my minds eye and my hopeful heart about the work that I am doing to heal.    Being still has always been a challenge for me as for the last 15 years of being a “hospital” mom has not been a  time to pause and take time.  Focusing on others has been my priority…now it is time to take time for myself. To become healthy inside my heart, my mind, and my body. Being purposeful,  I am finding my way back to being the woman both my daughters admire and love…I want them to be proud of me.

Summer is a time to re-energize, grow, and heal by taking those moments to  pause.