“I hope you will go out and let stories, that is life, happen to you, and that you will work with these stories... water them with your blood and tears and your laughter till they bloom, till you yourself burst into bloom.”
~ Clarissa Pinkola Estés
This picture and quote were shared by a friend and colleague. I mulled this picture around in my tired brain for a few days as this picture spoke many words to me! But it was today that I could figure out how to convey the message. At first glance, the picture’s backdrop of grayness reflected my mood which was blah. The muted images of city buildings coupled with the woman’s facial expression mirrored my image in the mirror. Muted. No words to speak. Tired. Weary. Exhausted.
But that, my friends, was at that moment in time. I always try to ride those moments out because I know there will be another thought or moment that will bring me peace, relaxation, hope and energy. As I continued to look at the picture and the words, I also saw a woman floating! She was light. She did not let her weariness hold her back. She was shedding the worry. She was blossoming. She was letting her stories written with blood, pain, tears and laughter, bloom into hope! Her feelings of sadness, joy, and worry were transformed into hope. And then she “burst into bloom”!
Don’t let your worry water and grow negativity. Let the truth in your stories allow you to float and grow more flowers of optimism. Find those moments and experiences that are your positive reality. Whether it be the kindness of another, the encouragement of a loved one, or a beautiful sunset. Find the beauty in each so you can grow your own story of hope!