It's Spiritual Journey Thursday, and we're settling into
our One Little Word for 2026.
My word this year is "Renaissance."
***
I open up my Blogger account for the first time in I-don't-know-how-long, and see that my last post was from April 2025, right after my string of March Slice of Life Challenge entries.
I have not known what to write about since then. Every thought that came to mind took a negative turn, and even though I am firmly against toxic positivity, I also had no desire to add my complaints to the internet cacophony. I was--and still am--living on the edge of emotional and intellectual exhaustion, dancing between slivers of hope, desperately sought, and utter despair, fueled by news and politics. The latter I try to avoid, but the impact is getting so close that I can practically smell the smoke from the dumpster fire.
That smoke is starting to clear, thanks to winds of change. There is disturbing news, and there is news of resistance. There is inhumanity, but there is a wave of humanity rising against it. To quote Susan Cooper, "The Dark is rising."...but we can turn it back. We have to turn it back.
This will be the year of the Fire Horse in Asian astrology, the sign I was born under almost sixty years ago. It is a sign of independence, optimism, good humor, and warmhearted generosity. I am hoping to rediscover those aspects of myself that have been ebbing in my recent circumstances.
This Fire Horse Year:
I am turning sixty.
I am retiring from a thirty-three year career in public education, begun thirty-nine years ago.
I am looking forward to another career path, to be of service and financially prepare for real retirement in seven to ten years.
I am coming to terms with my flaws and foibles, focusing on fixing what I can.
I am coming to terms with entering my last trimester of life, and how I want that to look and feel.
I will be having my first major surgery, one that will leave me less parts than I was born with...I am coming to terms with that as well.
My Fire Horse may just be a four-legged phoenix, burning its way into my crone years...my renaissance.
Great word, Chris! It’s page turns and new beginnings and growing. And acknowledging possibilities. You have alot of those in front of you! 💪
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patricia! I feel like it fits all the changes coming this year.
DeleteChris, a word that signals a rebirth. How wonderful. A new year and a fresh start. I wish you well on your journey. mBob
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bob. It will be an adventure this year, I think!
DeleteSince I've now reached 70, I tell friends that we're not old until we hit 80. I hope I get to complete my next trimester, but longevity is not in my genes. I've never read Susan Cooper's book, The Dark is Rising. Should I put it on my WTR (want to read) list?
ReplyDeleteWhat a word and what a year lies ahead of you!
I love that "old" keeps getting pushed back! I am hoping my family's legacy of living to their nineties holds true for me. And yes, please read Cooper's "Dark is Rising" series! It was my favorite in my tweens and teens. I revisited the eponymous installment this past holiday season.
DeleteChris, I am so happy you are back on this blogging space and with such a powerful and vulnerable post. I feel strongly that our trust in each other in this group is what helps us connect. I retired in May and am still finding my way. Facing a major surgery is hard. I’ll pray that all goes well. Renaissance is a beautiful word to say out loud. I hope it will keep you focused on positivity and hope.
ReplyDeleteMargaret, if you have any tips gleaned from your post-retirement days, I'll gladly take them. I agree that this group is so supportive and caring. I needed to be a part of this again. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement.
DeleteDear Chris, you kindred spirit, you. We are only a year apart in age. I turned 60 last year and had so many of the exact same thoughts you express here. For example, not adding my voice to the "internet cacophony" - I'm not going to be sucked into the hellfires of hatred on whatever side they're burning, and I am not about to fuel them. How can anyone ever help anyone in this way?? Let me just say I delight in seeing your name and reading your always well-chosen words again! I love the connotations of renaissance for the age milestone, retirement, and a new (shorter!) career path that I hope will bring you fulfillment even as it meeds practical needs (I so understand). My prayers go with you as you face your surgery and healing. We don't get through life unchanged, that's for certain...but we can be as triumphant as a Fire Horse, can't we? Indeed!
ReplyDeleteThat's me, above!
Delete