I’ve been given a gift. There was no fanfare, no gift wrap, and no card that accompanied this gift. It gently settled into my heart and soul last night, as I was getting ready for bed.
I was listening to my husband and son laying on the bed, reminiscing about a trip they took together to France to see a stage of the Tour de France. As they calmly chatted and laughed, I realized that I no longer feel sadness and longing in my memories of our time in Italy. Our whole family has felt the sadness and longing since returning home, but they had only fondness in their conversation.
It was then I realized the gift I had received. Through all of my recent work on letting go of expectation and filling the space with intention, I have found acceptance. Acceptance of where I am now, along with acceptance of the joyous experience that was my time in Italy.
Each memory of that time is now it’s own precious gift. Not to be hoarded with longing, but treasured and held up to the light with joy. To be felt again, but from where I sit today. To be seen in a new perspective.
I have received an amazing gift, to be able to enjoy the memories now while also enjoying the now. I have a smile on my face and in my heart today.
This photo is over a year old, taken last April in Italy. I’ve had it sitting in my edited images folder, just waiting for the perfect moment to use it. Now I know I was waiting for today, because here it is, perfectly representing the gift I’m writing about. While it’s not a recent photo, so I don’t quite meet the criteria for {in the picture}, there was enough symmetry with the timing of the link up, the post and the connections in the photo I thought I would share. The gloves were knitted for me by our {in the picture} hostess, Urban Muser, while we were Mortal Muses together. The Muses had a running internal joke that winter about fingerless gloves, another precious memory that brings me joy. Thanks Christy.
ooh, i always loved that photo, and it’s a perfect link-up, no worries. i am glad to hear you and your family are moving beyond the longing for the past and settling into the pleasant memories. xo
Thank you again for the wonderful fingerless gloves! I’ve used them many times this last winter, when I went out to photograph in the cold.
that was just lovely, I’m so happy for you.
Thanks for sharing your moment :).
Stay inspired!
A photo with a lovely story attached. Glad you’ve moved on Kat.
Figuring out how to move ever onward, that’s me! Thanks Jo.
Beautiful post!! I’m sure you have many precious memories to relive together! Lovely image!!
You are right Cathy, many precious memories! Thanks!
Awww…so glad to hear this news. I love the photo too. I think we can all learn from this post. Even though I’ve never lived abroad, I too have to learn to let go of certain memories and enjoy them and live in the here and now.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Bright blessings,
Kathy
Wonderful post about acceptance, Kat! Your image is so perfect for your thoughts about looking forward , while keeping the good memories. It is a gift!
It’s funny how these things sometimes settle onto you gently, as this did for me.
Great image and it sounds like some amazing memories have been created! Such a great experience that not everybody gets to experience in their lifetime.
Thanks Ross. I know, I’ve been incredibly lucky!
Great image and I love your words about acceptance.
I have been struggling with accepting a new time in my life. As I read this post, I jotted down your words and they make such sense to me. I added my own word of the year and I think you have created a perfect meditation for me.
Let go of expectation
Fill space with intention
Find Acceptance
Trust
It is interesting because I have been doing all of these things but not always with awareness. I think putting it all together will make a difference.
Thank you for everything.
it’s a beautiful thing to be able to let go the old and open to new! beautiful and thoughtful post!