Rock Reflection Ritual - Paths

 Rock Reflection Ritual 

Today, as I was mowing, I was pondering my retirement path! Leaving teaching at age 65 was and wasn't my plan! I was pushing it hard, very hard and thought I could work several more years, no problem! However, this all changed last year! 

I was mourning the loss of my mother after an incredibly long summer! She was on the roller coaster towards her crossing over, but we hoped she was going to be OK and even independent again! 

I did my best, in a pandemic, to support her, in and out of the hospital as well as while she was in the nursing home! Strict visitation rules made supporting her while in the hospital fall on only 4 or 5 people per hospital stay! Our lives were consumed by her needs and making the best decisions with and for her! Advocating, asking questions and doing everything we could for her to help her be the best she could be in this incredibly difficult time! It was stressful and traumatic! 

Unfortunately, at the same time, my mother-in-law was on her own crazy roller coaster life journey! Oh my! Our lives revolved around doing what we could do for each one or both, each day!

Selfcare, of any sort, was put on hold for both my husband and I, for months! Living on adrenaline and stressful energy, became our norm! We did the bare minimum at home, for ourselves and our four legged friends! 

Mid-school year, I realized I needed to heal, not just from her passing, but from mourning the loss of what might have been! It became clear that some of my relationships were incredibly unhealthy! The path these relationships were on, was destroying me from the inside out! 

When one shuts down, it is very important to reflect and ponder why?

So, I pondered!

Harmony takes two or more to communicate respectfully and find common ground! If a relationship is unbalanced, time after time, after time, it is appropriate and healthy to walk away! 

I remembered the advice my dad gave me on his deathbed. I had asked him what I should do if the turmoil continued down the path it had been on? He advised me to walk away and be happy! 

Walking away doesn't mean the path is pain-free! It simply means you don't suffer anymore additional pain. Healing from a traumatic experience, that causes a shutdown both mentally and physically, takes time to heal from! 

Finding harmony on the path one finds themselves traveling on, is important and necessary! 

The trees, dogs, horses and magical adventures with my family and friends has miraculous brought me back into alignment with my authentic self!

Are you on the path that is easy, happy, healthy and harmonious? 

Listen to your wisdom as you choose the path you are about to take! May you enjoy a full life filled with harmony and magical adventures! 

I decided to retire to heal, to be happy and to live a magical life! You can too!

Manifest a magical life!

Debbie Soderberg Kirchner