At My Center

For those of you who don't know, I lost my mom to cancer almost 16 years ago. She lived nearly three years after her diagnosis. During those three years and for many years after, I kept a journal. Putting pen to paper helped me cope - filled the void - provided me answers and a connection to my mom that lasts even today. If you have lost anyone in your life, hopefully you can relate. These people never really leave - we hold them in the light and in our memories - their voices still audible in our minds - their love still warms us at our core. Spending time for and with yourself can be restorative in moments of strife and joy. The act of writing down your thoughts can act as a meditation. Try it out: Find a comfortable space, a notebook and a smooth writing pen. Write a question, concern, comment or quote at the top of your paper and write yourself a response - no judgement, no editing, no real thinking... just write what comes into your head for about 20-30 minutes, just keep writing. Try this every day for a few days - using the same prompt, writing in the same way. At the end of the week, read back through your writing and see what nuggets of insight you can draw - what have you learned, decided, discovered? Keep what is meaningful and throw the rest away. This writing is only for you... no need to share it.

My personal journal of years past was created in a similar fashion. Written from a place of great need, it was a source of comfort for me - a way to clear the cobwebs and replenish my soul. I, too, kept what I liked and threw away the useless chatter. I began collecting these musings and have now turned my personal healing journal into a book - into a process - and into a course. I am pursuing self-publishing as an avenue to reach out to others who may be stuck in their grief and are searching for a way to move forward. I declare today with my mom at my center I will publish and facilitate healing in my own small way. Providing space for all to

FIND YOUR JOY - EMBRACE YOUR WISDOM - OWN YOUR LIFE.

AT MY CENTER

She stands quietly in the corner

Peaceful face, gown of sheer white

Rocking

Opening her arms, she welcomes me

Warm breath, soft skin

Acceptance

She died years ago

Her soul circling

Flying with the wind

She is free from pain

From struggling breaths

Free to begin life anew

Yet she hums to me

Quiet and contented

Unknown songs from my childhood