Category: broken

A Photo a Week Challenge–Endings

Wow, tough theme.

I knew the exact photo immediately, but I keep this particular one hidden from myself, so I had to search through my files. It’s been almost four years and I still grieve a little every day.

They went from this…

 

to this

IMG_7323 (1)

IMG_6285

 

And this is the last photo of them as a family…

20150626_165747

 

sigh…….

 

PS In case it would be of support to anyone reading this, here is what we use in therapy to help folks walk thorough Endings, in the healthiest way possible. Handy to use for closure in any and all Endings, big or small…job, moving, school, relationships, pets, favorite restaurant closing, new phone, etc.

 

Endings

 

Resistance

This is worth exploring and expressing in all its forms…denial, wishful thinking, false hopes, etc.

 

Resentment

It takes some practice but being able to express a truly personalized resentment, without any finger pointing or blame toward another, is a valuable, life-long skill 

 

Regret

It’s important to acknowledge the things you wish you could have done differently

 

Reminiscence

Remembering the good times is the natural pathway to the 3 stages below. It is why we tell funny stories at funerals.

 

Release and Relief

There is always a whoosh of peace after wading through the painful parts of grieving an ending

 

Rejoice

Now true gratitude can happen, for the whole experience, even the hard lessons that usually come from an ending.

 

Re-Union

To be able to re-unite after an ending, even if just in your mind, without a bunch of leftover baggage, is really and truly possible.

 

These are the natural stages of all endings.

In order to have healthy beginnings, with no leftovers lingering to muddy the new waters, these phases must be experienced and honored…

not necessarily in this order, but finishing the first four

makes the last three much more accessible.

 

 

 

https://nadiamerrillphotography.wordpress.com/2019/05/23/a-photo-a-week-challenge-endings/

From Darkness to Light

Warning:

When I first started my blog, I warned readers I would be posting a lot of music and photos and humor (well, I think I’m funny at least), but would also occasionally have a heavier story to share.

Today’s post is an example of the latter.

A wonderful, provocative challenge was issued by Sreejit from The Seeker’s Dungeon. 

He said “I am asking you to rip yourself open and put yourself back together again; explaining where you’ve been and where you are headed.  In so doing, we hope to help others understand that they are not alone on this path.”

Then, encouraging us to dig deep, he wrote “Many times our darkest moments are what end up turning us towards a path of light. It is these soul shredding moments that I want us to share here. Let us in on one of the moments that took you from darkness to light.”

The following story is my response to his challenge. It’s long, and may be difficult for some readers. I would really appreciate comments, if you read it.

I am posting the link to his blog so you can read it there. That way, maybe you’ll  glance through some of the other posts also. These have been some beautiful and powerful stories.

From Darkness to Light Day 16 by Kathie Arcide

Thank you,

ChosenPerspectives

Chosen Perspective; a hard won example!

Well, if you absolutely have to go to a hospital, I wish a similar experience for you.

This is NOT a rant about today’s healthcare, although I have had some extremely poor, tacky, even dangerous treatment in the last few years.

This is about the completely unexpected bonus of perusing the equivalent of a lovely art gallery, in a building with a stunning view! All right there at the hospital.

Here’s my story in pictures, most of which don’t even scratch the surface of the visual treat!!!

(The very top photo is Lucy taking care of me before the doctor’s visit.)

 

Started with a tiny ankle fracture but a whopper of a SPRAIN!

 

 

 

Artwork at the entrance of the Physical Therapy department

20190118_10225120190118_10223920190118_10223220190118_102215

 

My view as they tortured me in PT! (I’m kidding! I hardly noticed what they were doing!)

20190118_09474220190118_09472520190118_091315

20190118_094747
Outside view of the top floor of Seattle’s tallest building. I officiated a wedding here last year.

 

 

The hallways are covered with stunning and moving photography!

20190118_11174320190118_11173120190118_11174820190118_111723

 

Even the counter top of the check-out desk has this beautiful Fused Glass!

20190118_11212620190118_11210720190118_112101

 

Oh, and the medical staff was truly exceptional!

It took a some effort to shift my perspective but all in all, not a bad urgent medical visit!!!  Not bad at all.

 

A big Thank You to University of Washington/Harborview!

SongLyricSunday…on Friday, 9/7/18

I have had a grief-filled week and came across this song. (Thank you Carol.)

Nothing to do with cars, and I could save it until this theme comes around someday, but today is when I needed it, and there it was. It might not be new to others but a wonderful surprise for me.

The music is lovely and haunting, and the video is beautiful.

Full screen and volume up for this one.

I am resilient I trust the movement I negate the chaos Uplift the negative I’ll show up at the table Again and again and again I’ll close my mouth and learn to listen These times are poignant The winds have shifted It’s all we can do To stay uplifted Pipelines through backyards Wolves howling out front Yeah I got my crew but truth is what I want Realigned and on point Power to the peaceful, prayers to the waters Women at the center All vessels open to give and receive Let’s see this system brought down to its knees I’m made of thunder, I’m made of lightning I’m made of dirt, yeah Made of the fine things My father taught me That I’m a speck of dust and this world was made for me so let’s go and try our luck I’ve got my roots down down down deep So what are we doing here What has been done What are you going to do about it When the world comes undone My voice feels tiny And I’m sure so does yours Put us all together we’ll make a mighty roar I am resilient I trust the movement I negate the chaos Uplift the negative I’ll show up at the table again and again and again I’ll close my mouth and learn to listen…

 

IMG_1345

Song Lyric Sunday Theme for 9/2/18

Daily Prompt from The Daily Post–Broken

Broken

I am.

I can’t think about anything except these being the last of the Daily Post’s helpful articles, lessons, prompts, challenges, etc.

I’m still new enough that I feel like an enthusiastic and wildly curious elementary school child in my process and someone has told me my school is closing…..

sigh.