In the Arena: we stumble, we fall, we rise.

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt*

I am in the Arena. It’s Monday morning, February 3. The Seattle Seahawks are the new Super Bowl champs. Hurray! I’ve started a 28-day yoga challenge that will turn into 30 days, because I started early. Yea Me! I’m taking the French lessons I’ve dreamed of for years and joined a writing group that allows me to drive out of the city once a week. Double yippee!!  

In January, I worked with an editor on my novel. I hired a life coach and a financial planner. I’m learning to ask for help. January was a month of “stepping in” and...

My Face is Marred with Dust. January was one of the most challenging months I’ve experienced in a long time. I’m glad it’s over. I’m happy I don’t live in “Groundhog Day” even though sometimes it feels like it. I’m proud of all I’ve accomplished and grateful for the new people and opportunities who’ve already come my way this year. I’m delighted for the personal tools I’ve accumulated to help myself and others keep moving forward (even in the times we feel the "dustiest"). 

I Strive to Do the Deeds. Last month, I had a blast co-leading “Awakening the Muse” where I met brilliant new friends, connected with old ones, and relished my role as a group facilitator. A Sacred Journey gave me the opportunity to explore my inner pilgrim. I dreamed of Paris past and made plans for Paris future. I pondered who will fill the one remaining space that reminds me of a roulette wheel in action… faces and names instead of numbers, spinning around waiting for the bouncing ball to land on the destined winner. I launched a new interview series. (Here and here).

I Spend Myself in a Worthy Cause. My husband and I played (and worked) with puzzles during January—physically and metaphorically. My daughter and I were in a car accident—fortunately the only casualties were the two old vehicles. My son chose a different yet familiar path. 

I Know Both Victory and Defeat. I practiced finding ways to ground myself on this roller coaster that peeked and dove between exhilarating experiences and devastating news. More than a friend or two is suffering from cancer. Another is getting a divorce. Many are sad… and…

My Soul is Warm and Brave. The sun has been shining. My cat keeps purring. I have a roof over my head and an agent waiting to read my novel. I’m thrilled. I’m scared. I’m human. I’m grateful to have this space to share. I’m immensely humbled and delighted to both offer and receive encouragement in this arena called life.

We are meant to live with integrity and have our lives witnessed. Thank you for witnessing mine, for being with me in the dust, and celebrating in the shine. May we hold each other up as we stumble onward.

Namaste.  

*special thanks to Laurie Hawley for sending me the Theodore Roosevelt quote today. I actually wrote the initial post and then realized how perfectly the quote captured what I wanted to say. 

click on image for the details of this fabulous adventure!!

Comments

[Dianna W]

What a beautiful post - carry on - sorry it took me so long to read it! xoxo