Yes, indeed. I probably don’t put myself “on pause” long enough to find the words I need to express my thoughts. But, since I’ve discovered you and others like you (through your so generous referrals) on this venue, I can do something I love to do: read works from great writers, and learn what I would like to say about myself and life.
With that said, I’m headed off to practice my yoga and then off to explore what Kuala Lumpur is all about, no time for more writing 😜
I have re-read this essay twice, and cried at the end both times. Thank you, Kelly. For more than writing this. Thank you for being IN your life. That you take the time to report back with such art, insight, and eloquence is the kind of generosity that is a celebration of all of whatever it is we are doing here. I'm so grateful!
thank you Kelly. lots to chew on in your wise pondering. at 65, i feel a turn in my own life and as i find myself in the liminal realms, am holding space for what it "next". it is not unfamiliar territory and past experiences allows for trusting the slow unfolding.
Gahhhh! Loved this. I love the road trip, the memories made with the twins, the blending of family and of time, both past and present. You bc capture the bravery of looking back and looking forward and how that changes over time and over our various acts of life. 💕
You sound like a great Nana. My firstborn child turns 16 next month—he was born the week Obama was elected. These days I’m full of ruminations about motherhood, generations, what’s next for me and my family and (yikes) the world. I love my kids more every year that I get to see the humans they’re becoming, and also I can’t wait for them to leave. Ha! Your post was exactly what I wanted to read this morning. Thank you for writing!
Thank you! I appreciate the read and yes, we can’t wait for them to leave and then miss those short years of raising them even as we embrace and grow into so many new dimensions of ourselves. But parenting continues, just differently. 🫶Wild time to be launching kids. And they really don’t truly launch at least 30 but maybe that depends on the kid.
I hear you on each kid being different. I launched early - left home abruptly at 16 - or maybe I never really launched? It definitely complicates how I see my kids as teenagers. I think I appreciate them even more, knowing that my time with them might be short. I love reading about mothers a little further down the road to help me keep things in perspective.
I'm turning 61 tomorrow and have been thinking about my roles in life and what is important. How I waste so much time being anxious about the unknown. Your words and thoughts about this third stage in your life, about consciousness have helped. Thank you. It's hard to accept the idea of some invisible force guiding things. My mother always taught me we make our own heaven and hell. But I think it's both true. We can prepare with all the mental and emotional fortitude we can muster and then we can trust. It's the latter I have trouble with. A dear friend came up with the term, "trust baggage." That's me! I have trust baggage. I want to control every damn thing. To make sure things will be alright. I've lived through when they aren't. And somehow I'm still here. Trust. Consciousness. Invisible guide. This is necessary to get through what may be the final stages of life. Acceptance. Thank you! May you continue to enjoy your role as figurehead in your family's life. Sounds like you are a good one. Warm wishes from Canada. I am hoping for your strength and ability to navigate these tumultuous times and stay safe.
Thank you for reading and commenting. So appreciated. I have trust issues as well - you may enjoy reading through some of my posts. Self trust versus self doubt has been the key for me and it comes with practice and awareness. I HAVE survived the darkest times and those experiences expanded my consciousness to know I can, that my perspective will change, and I can choose to turn to that awareness and count on it going forward. We see evidence all around us of that Invisible force that holds us - we truly can trust that. The seasons show us the way. 🌻🫶🌻
How do you remember all those amazing details of the road trip? I loved seeing it in my minds eye. And glad the Sting song is making the rounds. It’s a good one.
Thanks for putting into words what I have been so intently feeling since recently turning 70. 🙏🏻
Intense, isn’t it? 🫶
Yes, indeed. I probably don’t put myself “on pause” long enough to find the words I need to express my thoughts. But, since I’ve discovered you and others like you (through your so generous referrals) on this venue, I can do something I love to do: read works from great writers, and learn what I would like to say about myself and life.
With that said, I’m headed off to practice my yoga and then off to explore what Kuala Lumpur is all about, no time for more writing 😜
Enjoy!
I have re-read this essay twice, and cried at the end both times. Thank you, Kelly. For more than writing this. Thank you for being IN your life. That you take the time to report back with such art, insight, and eloquence is the kind of generosity that is a celebration of all of whatever it is we are doing here. I'm so grateful!
This made my day…no, my Life. Thank you, Allison, for seeing me and being in your life with me. 🌻🫶🌻
🥹♥️🫶🏻
thank you Kelly. lots to chew on in your wise pondering. at 65, i feel a turn in my own life and as i find myself in the liminal realms, am holding space for what it "next". it is not unfamiliar territory and past experiences allows for trusting the slow unfolding.
Thanks for reading, Anne! Forward and backward, the best place to be is now. Unfolding is a great word!
Gahhhh! Loved this. I love the road trip, the memories made with the twins, the blending of family and of time, both past and present. You bc capture the bravery of looking back and looking forward and how that changes over time and over our various acts of life. 💕
Thank you! Great feedback; so appreciated. 🌻🫶🌻
This is beautiful. As someone closer to your kids' generation than yours, I love hearing your reflections and perspective.
Oh, that’s good to hear! Thank you! I hoped it might resonate for anyone of any age, as we all face transitions, especially in this current zeitgeist.
Yes!
You sound like a great Nana. My firstborn child turns 16 next month—he was born the week Obama was elected. These days I’m full of ruminations about motherhood, generations, what’s next for me and my family and (yikes) the world. I love my kids more every year that I get to see the humans they’re becoming, and also I can’t wait for them to leave. Ha! Your post was exactly what I wanted to read this morning. Thank you for writing!
Thank you! I appreciate the read and yes, we can’t wait for them to leave and then miss those short years of raising them even as we embrace and grow into so many new dimensions of ourselves. But parenting continues, just differently. 🫶Wild time to be launching kids. And they really don’t truly launch at least 30 but maybe that depends on the kid.
I hear you on each kid being different. I launched early - left home abruptly at 16 - or maybe I never really launched? It definitely complicates how I see my kids as teenagers. I think I appreciate them even more, knowing that my time with them might be short. I love reading about mothers a little further down the road to help me keep things in perspective.
I relate to maybe never launching! I was on my own in the world by 19 and had two babies. I had to launch myself.
We should write a sequel to the Elaine Stritch song. "Here's to the ladies who self-launch . . . " LOL! I would plan a brunch on our behalf.
🤣
I'm turning 61 tomorrow and have been thinking about my roles in life and what is important. How I waste so much time being anxious about the unknown. Your words and thoughts about this third stage in your life, about consciousness have helped. Thank you. It's hard to accept the idea of some invisible force guiding things. My mother always taught me we make our own heaven and hell. But I think it's both true. We can prepare with all the mental and emotional fortitude we can muster and then we can trust. It's the latter I have trouble with. A dear friend came up with the term, "trust baggage." That's me! I have trust baggage. I want to control every damn thing. To make sure things will be alright. I've lived through when they aren't. And somehow I'm still here. Trust. Consciousness. Invisible guide. This is necessary to get through what may be the final stages of life. Acceptance. Thank you! May you continue to enjoy your role as figurehead in your family's life. Sounds like you are a good one. Warm wishes from Canada. I am hoping for your strength and ability to navigate these tumultuous times and stay safe.
Thank you for reading and commenting. So appreciated. I have trust issues as well - you may enjoy reading through some of my posts. Self trust versus self doubt has been the key for me and it comes with practice and awareness. I HAVE survived the darkest times and those experiences expanded my consciousness to know I can, that my perspective will change, and I can choose to turn to that awareness and count on it going forward. We see evidence all around us of that Invisible force that holds us - we truly can trust that. The seasons show us the way. 🌻🫶🌻
How do you remember all those amazing details of the road trip? I loved seeing it in my minds eye. And glad the Sting song is making the rounds. It’s a good one.
Thank you! Each time I finish a new essay its song shows up! Truly amazing Synchronicity! This time it popped up on notes from you! 🌻🫶🌻
Love this and getting to know a bit more about you! xo