Opening the Buds
Posted by Marlene Obie on Sunday, August 23, 2009
I had a quote on my wall before I moved. I'm not sure where it is now. Just looked it up. It's this:
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk to bloom" - Anais Nin
I have a high pain threshold which is both good and bad. I can endure pain, put it aside and carry on for quite some time. The bad is that I carry it too long before I move away from it or do something about eliminating it. Sometimes, it creates scars or health problems before I attend to it.
But when that day comes, I decide to do something different to get out of the bud, I find blooming is release. There may still be pain, but the beauty of unfolding anesthestisizes it. In the past, I have suddently decided to go somewhere or engage in an new activity or event. The petals which have released their fragrance and reshaped me always enrich my life. I surprise myself over and over by loosening up. That's because I wait, pray, consider and revise the plan in hopes of being absolutely sure it's exactly right. Once I do though, I am amazed at the strength and joy in just one new movement.
There was my plunge into writing almost thirty years ago, like a bee sucking out nectar and the resulting honey of having articles, devotions and books published. There was the decision to go to college at the age of fifty. There has been drinking the visiting dew and quenching the desire for helping others through involvement in social actions to make some significant altruistic contributions, as well as satisfying a craving for companionship and fun at classes, little and big trips, and gatherings.
This last week was a busy one for my petals. I went to a Writer's Group meeting, a Women's Social and Support group, a planning meeting for a celebration of creativity and a day of spiritual refreshment and renewal. In addition, there were visits with the familiar and confortable--dinner and conversation with close friends, volunteer and social participations with former work colleagues, and resumed writing.
Tonight, as I review this week, I'm energized and inspired to keep dancing this blooming dance. I know there's rust, mold and pests who seek to stunt my growth, whether I stay tightly inside the bud or burst out of confinement. So, I might as well show off while I can.
Thank you everyone I've been with this week, old friends and new acquaintances together in the garden.
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk to bloom" - Anais Nin
I have a high pain threshold which is both good and bad. I can endure pain, put it aside and carry on for quite some time. The bad is that I carry it too long before I move away from it or do something about eliminating it. Sometimes, it creates scars or health problems before I attend to it.
But when that day comes, I decide to do something different to get out of the bud, I find blooming is release. There may still be pain, but the beauty of unfolding anesthestisizes it. In the past, I have suddently decided to go somewhere or engage in an new activity or event. The petals which have released their fragrance and reshaped me always enrich my life. I surprise myself over and over by loosening up. That's because I wait, pray, consider and revise the plan in hopes of being absolutely sure it's exactly right. Once I do though, I am amazed at the strength and joy in just one new movement.
There was my plunge into writing almost thirty years ago, like a bee sucking out nectar and the resulting honey of having articles, devotions and books published. There was the decision to go to college at the age of fifty. There has been drinking the visiting dew and quenching the desire for helping others through involvement in social actions to make some significant altruistic contributions, as well as satisfying a craving for companionship and fun at classes, little and big trips, and gatherings.
This last week was a busy one for my petals. I went to a Writer's Group meeting, a Women's Social and Support group, a planning meeting for a celebration of creativity and a day of spiritual refreshment and renewal. In addition, there were visits with the familiar and confortable--dinner and conversation with close friends, volunteer and social participations with former work colleagues, and resumed writing.
Tonight, as I review this week, I'm energized and inspired to keep dancing this blooming dance. I know there's rust, mold and pests who seek to stunt my growth, whether I stay tightly inside the bud or burst out of confinement. So, I might as well show off while I can.
Thank you everyone I've been with this week, old friends and new acquaintances together in the garden.
Tags: blooming growing "prescription for pain"
