I'm like a pencil;
sometimes sharp,
most days
well-rounded,
other times
dull or
occasionally
broken.
Still I write.
j.g. lewis
is a writer/photographer in Toronto.
Month: December 2018
Approaching the shortest day and the longest night at Winter Solstice, we need to be mindful of the dividing line between darkness and light, negative and positive, and, perhaps, even good or bad.
An effective time for reflection; the end of the calendar year allows us to look closely on what has, or hasn’t, happened over past months.
Now is an especially important time to make notes, or a list, that will help us focus on what has been done, and what needs to be done.
This is an exercise for your self.
Select a piece of writing paper and draw a distinctive line down the middle (either vertically or horizontally). Select one side as dark, the other as light
On the dark side, begin to jot down the secrets, sins, shortcomings and disappointments of the past year. It could be career ambitions that did not develop, financial fortunes fallen flat, goals and plans that never materialized, unresolved relationship issues, mistakes made, unexplained catastrophes, and those concerns that kept you awake at night.
Think, now, of even the minor events and inconsequential inconveniences. Write them down. Don’t prioritize or apply any weight to a specific event or error, just fill in this section of the page with all that has bothered (or has been bothering) you.
Spell out your troubles and leave them on the page. Be reminded, be respectful, but don’t be beholden to them. Leave them where they land.
On the other part of the page, the bright side, begin to list all things worthwhile in your life, yourself, and your surroundings
Celebrate even the smallest achievements or tiny steps forward. Recount feelings and emotions; remember what you have managed to pursue or accomplish despite all the negatives listed on the other side of the paper.
Take pride in the positive.
Then find an envelope, address it to yourself, and place a postage stamp in the corner.
Hold up the freshly-formed list and tear it in the middle, right down the line.
Separate the dark side from the light, distance yourself from all the negative crap you managed to dredge up, and don’t even bother looking at it. Simply crumble up the dark list or place it in the paper shredder. If you want to add a little drama, light a match and burn the words, turn the negative thoughts into ash.*
Now take the positive side of the list, date it, fold it, and tuck it into the envelope. Walk to the post box and send all those positive thoughts ahead to brighter days.
You don’t have to open the envelope when it arrives in your mailbox. Of course you can, but you might also want to tuck the letter into your journal and wait for one of those days when life lets you down and you could use a little positive reinforcement.
Leave the negative thoughts behind and enjoy the ever-increasing lightness as we step forward to a new year.
Solstice blessings.
*please be careful when using matches
© 2018 j.g. lewis
Posted on December 18, 2018 by j.g.lewisLeave a comment
We continually look
for solutions
or possibilities.
Plausible predicaments
and everyday circumstance
add to the confusion.
The depth and breadth
of the dilemma
confounds even
the sharpest mind.
Still, we keep searching.
The answers
you are looking for are
often closer
than you think.
12/18/2018 j.g.l.
Posted on December 17, 2018 by j.g.lewisLeave a comment
Another year has almost run its course, soon to be replaced by new path.
New days. New ways.
Some days it will feel just the same, other times you will feel the change.
What have you learned in 2018 that you will carry into next year?
Each of us has taken in something that has altered the way we view our place on the planet.
Now is a good time to reflect.
It’s not hindsight yet.
This year is still this year, so you are not yet looking back, but you will step forward more comfortably, knowing your change is conscious or consistent.
12/16/2018 j.g.l.
