The road is long, the destination not yet realized. Joy is interspersed with sadness. Smiles alternate with tears.
This is the life of a sensitive soul.
We all share the common quest of wanting to fit in, to be valued and feel like we matter. Without it we feel set adrift in a place of isolation.
Odd man out. Overlooked. On the outside. Excluded. Neglected. Forgotten.
Everyone has two choices. Either we can wallow in self-pity, crying that life isn't fair. This is certainly a path that can lead to self-destruction.
Or we can choose to face our reality, knowing that we can never be all things to all people. Recognize our truth, accept it and be grateful.
And then move on.
The blessings we can allow ourselves to experience lies in our ability to love one another despite our differences. This can be very freeing. And once we've done the work and learned how to master that skill, life will be so much sweeter.
I'll meet you on that side.
♥♥♥♥
NOTE: I made it! This is the last day of National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo) for the month of November. It was an important exercise that taught me I can set aside time every day to write. Hooray!
It was my great fortune to be in the company of a group of talented women writers who took this journey with me. We read and commented on each other's posts every day. Through their stories I learned more about the art of good writing and the many gifts of friendship. I thank every one of them.
Cathy, another very thought-provoking blog. I am going to miss your daily missives and musings. Thank you for doing this.
Very true. And, as it turns out, most of us are more sensitive than it seems, so we all fit in that boat.
Woot!! Congratulations on meeting your goal with fantastic style and thoughtful words! Cheers!
Congratulations!! What a great accomplishment.
Congrats on hitting your goal! Fantastic accomplishment!
And isn't it a relief to know we will never be all things to all people? I love that there is a tribe out there for everyone, a group where one feels at home, it is so freeing.
I have enjoyed this journey we took together, Cathy. Thanks for showing up everyday in all your authenticity. xo
I always enjoy reading your posts - they are informative and inspiring and you are a role model for all of us. Keep writing!
I think we learn that we are stronger, better, and so much more joyful together. I am so thrilled that we are on this path together and that we can consistently lift each other up through words and deeds, across the miles! Thank you for having my back, being at my side, and leading me when I lose my way my friend!
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement, Cathy! I know you understand...and i hope you are feeling better. Congrats on this important milestone. You can do it and I loved that you ended with this post. We matter...we ALL matter...and it is important to know that I MATTER as well. The way we do more for others is by first honoring and accepting ourselves! Thanks for all you do!
I loved sharing this month with you! Reading your posts every day kept me so inspired and I will miss the daily interaction this month. Here's to January together! xo
Yay for all of us! It's been great getting to know everyone. Cathy, you are such a nurturing positive spirit. And Lord knows, us writer's need an encourager. I think sensitivity is what makes you a writer who can touch others. And I agree. I so enjoy getting to know others who are from a different place -- many different ways. See you in December.
I think one of the best things about going through this exercise with you and the many other talented writers in this group was how different, and yet the same, we all are. We have different styles, different reasons for writing; we are from different places (well, you and I are not, LOL), have different sensibilities, but, at the end of the day we stuck together and completed this project. I know that I made some new friends along the way, I'm sure you did, too. Congratulations and thanks for helping me make it through the month 🙂
Congratulations, Cathy! What an amazing month of honest, fun and thought-provoking posts. Thanks for sharing your powerful, inspiring voice.
Will you rest now? Nah, probably not much 😉
Congrats on posting every day this month -- maybe next year I'll try it! Your title today caught my eye because I sometimes think my sensitivity can hinder me, but the way you phrased it today is very uplifting - thank you!
Congrats, dear friend! I have loved bonding even more through NaBloPoMo. Having our group kept me going.
Love, love, love you and your writing Cath! Congratulations on taking on the NaBloPoMo challenge and cruising through it with style. Congrats to the other writers also took on the challenge! What an amazing suportive network you have!
Congratulations on your 30 day commitment to writing your blog ! I am currently knitting a Linus blanket [ thanks to your blog on volunteering ], and planning on more items from my yarn stash, to donate to other good causes. Thanks for the daily boost, my dear.
Namaste', Claire
You are always an inspiration. I hope you do not get tired of hearing that! There have been times in my life when I threw a pity-party and no one showed up. I was glad because the party didn't last long -- just long enough to have a little cry and then jump up with new strength to carry on.
You are such a beautiful woman in so many ways and I enjoy your blog posts.