The Profound, Perfect Timing of the Universe

In some ways, this recent move has well and truly kicked my ass. Some of you are aware that the past few months have been emotionally challenging and exhausting. You know, also, that the move is an exciting and positive development for Dave and me. But holy crap. Why do we have so much emotion attached to stuff?

Today was dedicated to unpacking and organizing my office. Along with the books that feed my soul and the tchotchkes I’ve picked up in special places, there were so many items whose memories overwhelmed me. I’m in a bit of a vulnerable time as it is, and discovering these long-packed-away bits and bobbles was too much.

In my efforts to focus more on taking good care of my mental health, I’ve purchased some guided journals, self-care dice (they’re super fun and effective,) and a deck of self-care cards. This afternoon, while I could feel the depression looming, I unpacked the box that contained those cards. I’m sure there’s a process or a plan or instructions for using the cards, but I’m more of a wing-it girl. I just shuffled the deck, closed my eyes, and chose three cards. I laid them out as I had drawn them and the above photo is what I saw. I turned the cards over one by one and felt tears as I read their messages.

Feelings: “Healing begins with feeling. Be gentle with yourself and tender with your heart.”

Passion: “Light up your life by honoring your deepest desires.”

Patience: “It is safe to wait.”

It felt like a personal message that was precisely what I needed at that moment. It would take a long time to explain why, but it truly was perfect.

I’m not sure how to say this next part. Last night I asked friends on social media for grace and patience. And they were wildly generous with their support. It was hard to be vulnerable and admit that I’m struggling. But without that openness, I’d not have received the gift of their kindness. And today, the very boxes that were causing me grief gave me a gift to deal with and move past that grief.

There’s a deeper message there for me somewhere, and I’ll be thinking about it a lot in the coming days.

Please know that I love you, that I appreciate you, and that my world, and the world as a whole, is a better place because you’re in it. You’re doing a great job and I am so proud of you.