"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth..
Two roads diverged in a wood and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."~Robert Frost
There’s a line as a writer that you’re never quite certain you want to cross. How much of yourself do you put into your work? How much do you reveal of your true nature without crossing an imaginary boundary that might leave you open and vulnerable and breathless?
I’ve always worn my heart on my sleeve, risking the consequence of being hurt or misunderstood. Telling others how I feel, and helping others however I can, always makes me feel good.
This is who I am.
Yet too many times I’ve felt the sting of rejection for reasons that still escape me. The sting never quite disappears.
Despite feeling wounded, I am also blessed with friends who are as close to me as sisters. Together we face the world with joy and laughter, year by year. We share our lives, and although we live far away we will always be connected. I am not ashamed to say out loud that I love them.
The world can be a cold place. Circumstances can change on a dime. Life continues to naturally move forward, and it’s difficult to see what won’t be, what is unattainable and what is lost. Things lie beyond your grasp.
New circles form, and feeling a bit left behind forces a new resolve to take stock and begin a new path. Without bitterness, but with an open heart, this is a new journey that was meant to be.
So I decided to take that leap of faith by writing what is in my heart. I am crossing that imaginary boundary, the one where I wear my heart on my sleeve.
Knowing you has been one of the blessings in my life, Cathy. Can't wait til the next time we get together.
Cathy, you are always such a kind and considerate person. And, often such sensitive people take feelings to heart with more intensity than others--it's the price of being so open I guess.
Thank you for risking and sharing, you are an inspiration to others.
Cathy, I think that to be a writer IS to wear your heart on your sleeve. Thank you for sharing this part of yourself. You are a treasure.
Cathy I am honored to be a part of one of your new circles. I regret that this new growth you are referencing sounds like it comes from something painful, but I guess that is often the way it is. I look forward through your writing and commenting to get to know you better, and one day, meeting. Beautiful piece.
What a beautiful and honest post! Cathy, I'm so glad our "imaginary" worlds collided, bringing us together into a real world of friendship across the miles. You have such a kind heart and I consider you a beautiful blessing in my world.
I do understand because who we are is precious and when someone seems us "as a thing of not" we are crushed. This weekend a very wise friend told me to have courage and fear not, when you know who are and what you stand for you don't need anything else. Write away my friend, write from your heart and let the chips fall where they may. Enough platitudes for you?
Cathy, This is what makes you YOU - special, vulnerable and full of heart. xo
There will always be someone that hates what you write, your truth. Write it anyway. Focus on those that are for you, your tribe.
It's so hard Cathy. I understand your feelings completely. I think it's both empowering and not to let everything out
My problems are more known in children as they weren't known at all until the 1980's--really the last five years.
So when psychologists laugh at me and say "it can't be" though I know 30 adults with almost the exact same problems it hurts.
And really I just want to be a writer!
Can't log out of a strange account and into my real ones--not trying to spam you
~pia
http://courtingdestiny.com
Writing is revealing our hearts. Sometimes it's scary, but I'm proud of you for sharing. There's a quote I have on my desk: "If it's still in your mind, it is worth taking the risk." ~Paulo Coehlo. I like to apply that to what's in the heart, too, just as you did.
I ♥ you like a sister! xoxo
Hi Cathy, I know I've never met you in person, but your writing shows your true spirit and your open and caring heart. You are one of those people who I feel close to even though I don't know you, you just open your heart and show the world who you are through your writing. And, of course because of my mother's MS, I feel a special connection. I hope that whatever is causing you sadness today doesn't linger and that you realize that there are people who are as caring and empathetic as you who embrace you for who you are. Hugs xo Claudia
That was so full of honesty and emotion, Cathy. But I think you meant you wear your heart on your "petal!" Not embarrassed to tell you I love you!
I've only met you once IRL- but I really felt connected. You are a joy for me Cathy and it has been an honor to share our stories and feelings. XXOO
Not sure what you're actually referring to, Cathy, but I so relate to what you've written. And as usual, you write it with heart--on your sleeve. Thanks.
Hi Cathy, we met via video during MSAA's Why I Swim rollout a few weeks ago. I knew you were a special person right way and your blog keeps reinforcing my initial feeling. I admire your beautiful spirit and your honesty. It is my hope that your attitude will inspire me to approach life in the same way.
Thanks,
Mary Sypawka
You have such a beautiful and caring heart, and it shows in everything you do. I'm so happy I met you and have you in my life. I admire your bravery for sharing your feelings, something I should do more of in my writing as well. xo
Love that heart on your sleeve. That's why we all adore you. You let us in. Thank you.