 What about the concept of "embarking" currently resonates with you?First, certain new beginnings come to mind. We recently took a road trip to visit family and friends. Our visit even included a special holiday gathering. Our time together was filled with fun conversations, silliness, and laughter. We took new routes and revisited familiar trails. And we returned home to new opportunities awaiting us for autumn.
What made you want to embark on a structured reflection series?I wanted to embark on a structured reflection series as a way to mark my thirty-third year of life. I wanted a project that could be year-long, so it needed to provide structure and flexibility. Having guided reflection questions allows structure. Having themes allows room for flexibility. I also wanted a project that could blend different mediums, in this case writing and digital art. The Meandering Reflective is a year-long reflection series. Meandering: I described the project as "meandering" to emphasize the natural and unpredictable flow of a year in one's life. Though we can try to make plans, time determines which plans come to fruition. Meandering allows a balance between intentional goal-setting and making space for whatever comes along. Reflective: I divided the year into six themes to reflect upon. How the year unfolds will be discovered through experience. One of the questions that naturally arose as I've healed from abuse was: "What do I do with the good?" - What do I do with the memories that bring a smile to my face, but include people who abused me? What do I do with the life lessons those people taught me? What do I do with favourite songs and bands that I was introduced to by those people?
I have come to understand I can keep the good I want to keep. Even if the process is complicated at first, or for a while. Even if the person was complicated (who isn't?). Even if the person allegedly hurt someone. Even if the person hurt me or another person. Even if... |
