I have been going through an unusual time in my life. A time that I never could have imagined would be a part of my story. As much as this peaks your interest as to what I am referring to, it is not my place to share about it quite yet. But boy what I have learned!
After dropping my three “littles” for a week of sleepaway camp, I jumped on a flight to my dear friend’s home in Sonoma. I needed a getaway to breath, to drink some dry, kickass Rose, hang with a good friend, and decompress. Lynn’s home is just the place. She has created a spiritual, natural, and calming oasis. Often when I come, Lynn has other visitors staying in her hotel-like guest house. This time it is all mine!
Upon my arrival in Sonoma, I headed to the guest house to unpack my suitcase. As I entered, I noticed there was new art hanging on the wall. It’s a very large framed piece called “The Guest House” by one of my favorites, Rumi. It goes like this:
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
This is my day to get the guest house. This poem was hung and waiting patiently for me to invite myself to Lynn’s oasis. Hanging quietly on the wall, waiting for me to sit down and soak it in. To reaffirm my wisdom that every single thing that happens in life is not happening to us, it is happening for us.
Today I stand strong, knowing the blessings of heartache. And if heartaches turn to blessings, I just may change my perspective on what is “good” and what is “bad”. If the “bad” brings so much dang “good” down the road, I welcome the “bad” from here on out with open arms.
May I meet the dark thought, the shame, the malice, at the door laughing, and invite it in. May I be grateful and embrace every little thing that comes my way. May I be fully alive. May I cry and laugh at the same time. May I hold those dear to my heart closer and no longer take them for granted; nor the sun, the moon, or the beautiful shading trees. Nor my dog that barks too loudly, my child that pushes my buttons, or my husband that shows me how much more I still have to learn.
Sprinkle me with all you’ve got life. I am open to receive. Water me so that I may continue to grow, to blossom.
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. And gosh damn it, today I am stronger. I AM strong.
I am getting a star tattoo on my wrist to remind myself that I have the power of a thousand stars. We all do. We are made from stardust and will be returning before we know it. Sprinkle me life. Sprinkle me with your sweet delight, for I AM strong.