Solstice Reflections

“Do you ever wait for the longest day of the year and then miss it? I always wait for the longest day of the year and then miss it!” -Daisy in The Great Gatsby 

I read this post from Sas Patherick about using the Solstice as a moment to pause and reflect on the year. Perfect, I thought, and I hope you’ll share a link to your own if you feel moved to pause, too.

Here are Sas’s questions.

One: Did you have a word for this year? How has it manifested itself? If you didn’t have a word, what is the theme that has played out in your life so far this year?
Two: What are you most proud of?
Three: What have you chosen to let go of? 
Four: What has been your greatest joy or surprise?
Five: What book, movie, exhibition, tv programme, play, concert, article, photograph, or website has been your favourite find? 
Six: What three things do you want for yourself by the next Solstice – 21st December 2013?

And my responses…

1. I selected the word Bloom for my One Little Word. Since January 1, 2013, I have had flowers in my house. Looking at these blooms, either on the table, next to my chair, or by the bed, reminds me that I want to open, to unfurl, to show the world (myself, especially) what I have to offer.

2. I’m proud of developing more patience and learning to bite my tongue more often. I’m proud of winning a new contract at work. I’m proud of the weeding I’ve been doing around the yard. I’m proud of risks taken. I’m proud of my imperfections.

3. I’ve chosen to let go of the narrowness of my creative identity. I’m trying to let go of parts of the identity that don’t really fit me any more. I’ve let go of Open Road Writing and merged my blogs…I’m letting go of putting myself in boxes. My work as a writer and as a writing coach and my work with fiber and my work as a teacher…all of these are part of the whole, and it is time to let go of viewing them as separate rather than linked.

4. I’ve had so many joys and surprises that it is hard to pick the greatest. One joy is how my connection to Neal has deepened as we navigate our beloved Tilly’s illness. Sorrow can tear apart relationships, and we have not had much sorrow in ours over the years. It is a joy to know that we’re as good a team in sorrow as in other parts of our lives together.

Another joy to date was celebrating my 30-year friendship with Sara by spending three weeks with her in France. It’s amazing to be with someone who understands every nuance implied by a raised eyebrow or pursed lips. It’s amazing to dream with my best friend, to hear her dreams and to cheer her on has much as she cheers me on all the time. It’s amazing to eat good foods together, to look at art and fashion and architecture together, to create new memories together.

Professionally, it was a joy to teach Creative Writing at my university this semester. I adored my students, and I am impressed by their hard work and the quality of their creative work. They made every Tuesday and Thursday delightful.

5. I’ve read a few books I’ve loved so far this year, but the one I can’t forget is one you should pre-order: Cari Luna‘s The Revolution of Every Day . Right now. You won’t regret it, and I’ll look for your thank you in October, once you’ve read it, too. I’ve also, rather late to the party, become a fan of Neil Gaiman’s work. His imagination appeals to me in so many ways!

6. By the next Solstice, I would like

• to have written the poems that swim in my prosey head
• to have developed my watercolor painting skills
• to have a contract for the non-fiction book I feel compelled to write
• to have ridden 100 miles in one day on my bike

I hope you find some magic in this long, long day!