The solstices have always been magical for me, even before I knew what they were. “The longest day of the year.” “The longest night of the year.” Both were magical times in my young mind, spurred on with many, many viewings of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. (Plus actually dancing in the full length ballet, years ago, with California Ballet Company down in San Diego, way before acting in two different productions of it. But that’s another story.)
Not only are the days themselves somewhat magical, but I also believe its a good time to enact change. Whether in your self, your routine, your environment, it’s the perfect time to shake things up, make things better. Some people use the calendar New Year to do so; others use back-to-school time to make changes. I’ve used those dates, too, but this year the Solstice seems right.
The biggest change for me? I’m going to really, truly believe in myself and go for what I want, which means there’s a story here for you. I’m on Twitter – not a lot, but often enough – and whenever Angela James (Carina Press) finds something awesome, I tend to check it out. Today, she found Tara and Tara’s Story. This so moved me that I sent the link to my closest writing group, the Los Angeles Romance Authors.
But Tara’s story basically built on stuff I’d been processing internally, via a video shared with LARA by Lynne Marshall, a lovely writer and neighbor of mine. And while this video took time to watch, it is definitely stirring and I sent it to my husband and sons, the most important people in my life.
It’s a TED video (I don’t know anything about them, but you might?) and the woman who speaks is funny, passionate, and wonderful.
So, here’s to change, scary as it may be. Here’s to being the most authentic you that you can be. And here’s to living a wonderful, helpful, serving life.
Happy Summer Solstice, everyone!
Loved the TED video you posted. I know all about this first hand and as a parent all I hoped to do was to instill in my kids that they are indeed “worthy of love and connection” and that “they are enough just as they are, always, no matter what.”
Thanks, Suzanne. I’ve watched it like five times now, lol. My boys are adults, or almost – and I hope we’ve managed to do this for them, but at the same time I fear that we haven’t. Does that make sense?
Change can be a very good thing, even is it is scary. I hope this change brings you many good things…
Thanks, Savannah. I think I used to have that belief that I was worthy – but somewhere along the line I lost it (and gained weight? Perhaps!!!). Reclaiming that can’t be a bad thing! Thanks so much for dropping by!
I watch a lot of TED video’s and really like them so will be sure and check this one out.
Thanks for sharing.
Mimi
I’m definitely going to start watching TED videos! I’d never heard of them before this! Thanks for dropping by, Mimi. Let me know if it resonates with you!
I loved this line: There is no secret. No magic pill. No magic liquid. No magic nothing. There is only sweat. Only commitment. Only change. Only desire. Only the will to do whatever it takes no matter what. You want this bad enough,you will go out there and get it. You will end the excuses. You will make the changes…
Ask yourself
Do you want it bad enough?
I do.
Whatever it takes.
I do.
YES!!! THANK YOU.
You’re welcome, hon! I felt so lucky to click on that link that Angela James tweeted, that I had to share it with everyone else.
Thanks for dropping by!
Wonderful post!! The solstices are indeed magical and a great time to make a change.
-Vanessa
Aw, thanks, VR! And thanks for stopping by!
Tara’s posting was indeed inspirational. It’s message can be applied to so many things. Thanks for sharing it.
My pleasure, Donna. Both were amazing, and hit me like a one-two punch this week. Please pass it on!
I loved the links you provided here. “If we want it bad enough, we’ll make the change.” It’s so true. I think we’re often more comfortable with the familiar – even if we hate it – than with venturing into the unknown to go after what we really want. What if we fail? As if staying in a rut isn’t failure.
Wonderful post. Truly has me thinking and feeling empowered. It’s up to me. No one else.
It’s a hard truth to deal with, isn’t it Debbie? I’m still struggling, but knowing so many other people are in the struggle too makes it worth it. Hugs hon!