Sitting here

[dancingfish]

It's a day laden with expectation and ritual even before you venture near what might be going on for any one of us.

Perhaps it's unwelcome recollections, or grief, or simple discomfort and sense that some things aren't quite right. Whether it's any or none of these, this is a place to sit. To be believed, and heard, and validated.

If you need to hear it, it's okay to want to rest. To take a break. Or to bury yourself and get through it in whatever way works for you. Or to raise your head and know the dignity of your own strength.

And if you're able to feel just a few or many moments of joy, connectedness, or wonder, how very lovely. You deserve just that and so much more.

Sitting here, and wishing you all the best my wonderful tribe. Thank you just for being, I appreciate you. Thank you for being a place where I can share words and connect with you, dear reader, and know I'm no longer alone even when I'm lonely.

[Oceantide]

These are such poignant reflections, dancingfish

It's a day laden with expectation and ritual even before you venture near what might be going on for any one of us.

I'm taking time to myself to reflect on just that. I recall being in my 20s and feeling a dark sense of dread and guilt, as though no matter what I couldn't get it right, whatever that meant. Probably inadequate gift-giving, superficially. But at essence it was a sense I was eternally indebted to others, and should be grateful to just be allowed to exist.

this is a place to sit. To be believed, and heard, and validated.

Yes. This afternoon I'm sitting here with my tribe, knowing I'm believed. Thank you, dancingfish

[Jonesy]

Hi dancingfish,

That is a beautiful post. As are you.
Thanks for being here with us all

[EasyStreet]

I tuned in late.

But still here.
ES

[there]

I’m very late!
Aside from the obvious holiday framing, all the rest is so touching and freeing.

“and know I’m no longer alone even when I’m lonely”
Deep and beautiful words.

Thanks, dancing fish