Permission To Pause

Photo Credit: Artist Frederic, Lord Leighton, Flaming June, 1895

I am granting myself permission to pause for several weeks. I hope that each of you allow this for yourself in however it best suits your well being and life style, and of course if you are able. I understand what a privilege it is.

This year with our move from Maui to the Pacific Northwest I just kept powering on. I was running on fumes. To sit, write, and reflect felt life affirming. The practice kept me grounded in the midst of packing paper, boxes, and heartfelt good byes.

My client calls are alive and well. This I do not take a pause from, as they are my passion, and are what keep me connected to what matters. My IV drip so to speak. If you are curious about my offerings please check out my home page as I speak more specifically as to what they entail.

Something I encourage some of my newer community members is to use my blog posts as an oracle deck. Ask to be led to what might speak to you.

While I’m in pause mode we will honor our Douglas on the 17^th .His forty-third birthday. My Leo, who couldn’t fathom why everyone didn’t adore him? He felt so deeply lovable towards himself, and isn’t that a lens to be drawn to, pivot, dust off, and rest within? I adore that quality about him.

No one loves a birthday quite like this son of ours

We will go out and enjoy a meal as he’s such a foodie on his special day. I will bake a favorite. He faithfully offers me my marching orders as to what to create. Everything from his signature homemade chocolate cake to banana bread. One thing we have done in the past is to order a meal to take home, and we give them his name, Douglas. They hand us a box, there is his name, and it just does something to me each and every time. Inviting him in a bit closer, a living part of everything we engage within. Front row, center, just as he loved while earth side.

Happy early birthday, son. You made us parents, and this is a heart badge I place upon my chest lovingly and wear proudly.

Douglas enjoying a light hearted moment

MY HAND IN YOURS

by Rachel Macy Stafford

I can’t tell you it’s going to be okay, but I can tell you the birds have something hopeful to say if you listen close.

Keep listening.

I can’t tell you the road ahead is gonna be easy,

But I can tell you where someone has cleared a path for easier walking.

Keep walking.

I can’t tell you how to keep your hands from shaking,

But I can tell you it’s possible to hold your own hand and be brave.

Keep holding.

I can’t tell you that you’re gonna feel warm and carefree again,

But I can tell you the sun can dry your damp soul if you give it time.

Keep waiting.

I can’t tell you that gaping hole in your life will fill anytime soon,

But I can tell you that faith and love are space fillers.

Keep filling.

I can’t tell you that the exhaustion will subside,

But I can tell you there’s no shame in sitting down to catch your breath.

Keep breathing.

I can’t tell you that your tears will cease,

But I can tell you there’s a fight song within you, just waiting to be released.

Keep humming.

I can’t tell you it’s gonna be OK,

But I can tell you it’s possible to turn your fear and uncertainty into a lifeline.

Keep reaching.

There might be someone on the other end waiting to grasp it.

My hand in yours.

© 2022 Rachel Macy Stafford