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I Have No Idea What To Call This One

12/23/2019

6 Comments

 
So here we are, ten days away from a new decade. 

For some of you, that opener may be a relief:
  • "Thank God that year's over. Don't let the door hit your butt on the way out, 2019!" 

For others, it may bring some dismay:
  • "Well shoot, I had so many plans - where did the time go? I should have done more." 

How many of you are actually at peace with it?:
  • "I did what I could. Memories, for better or worse, have been made. I have more to do, but it's all good."

I frequently wonder, often while digging through bags of car clean-outs or piles of random paperwork: What are we humans really here to do? Are we here to alphabetize our spices and color-code our clothing? Not me. Are you here to shop? To save? To "hustle"? To compare? To post? To raise kids that achieve everything you didn't? To buy things to solve problems you didn't know you had? I'm fortunate to have some communities and connections where these ideas rarely even come across the radar, except in a "bless-their-hearts" kind of way. These communities humble me, and ground me when I most need it. What if we could all find grounding like that? How would our pondering and possibility-thinking change? How would our relationships with "stuff" shift?

That social media ten-year-challenge thing going around a few weeks back snagged my attention. It got me looking back at a time when, unbelievably, I was not organizing professionally or coaching. How is it that I could be such a different person, how was that not a thing for me ten years ago? I used to say that I wished I had discovered my current path sooner, but now I know I found it when I was supposed to. I know I wouldn't have been ready then, at least not in a way that would have been most helpful for me or anyone else.

Ten years ago, writing a book was definitely something I wanted to be able to do - I felt like it could be a part of my own particular mix of contribution. I had not a clue what it could even be about. I just knew I wanted to play with words backward and forwards until hopefully, something interesting or helpful came to the surface. I'm so in awe of those who can write things that move us and make us look at all things new again. Talented writers make it seem so easy. 

Understanding that we all have to start somewhere, I started writing my blog at the exact same time I started organizing professionally. When I look back at those early posts, I cringe a little (ok, no, I cringe a lot - check out this little gem for a laugh), but they are a reflection of where I was. It wasn't easy to start writing and putting it out in the interwebs, wondering if anyone would ever even see it. Hellloooo? Anyone out there?…[cue the crickets]. What if I had never even started them? Who or what would I not know, not have come into contact with? Three years ago, I did start a book, which should also be out wandering the world in about a week. I cringe a little looking back at it as well, but...

I did what I could. Thoughts, for better or worse, have been written. I have more to do, but it's all good.

I am at peace with this decade, with all of its highs and lows, fits and starts. I'm looking forward, with deep gratitude, to the next. How about you? 
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We bless this year for all we've learned
For all we loved and lost
And for the quiet way it brought us
Nearer to our invisible destination.

                              -John O'Donohue, from To Bless The Space Between Us
6 Comments
Diane Quintana link
12/23/2019 07:55:42 am

Oh my goodness! This is just what I needed to read today. This has been an eye-opening, heart stopping sort of year for me. I won't bore you with the details .. I'm ready to start this next decade with a much better appreciation for who I am, what I stand for, and where I hope to go. I totally get that things happen at the right time - when you're ready for them. I would not have been ready to acknowledge these truths in 2018.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday and I look forward to reading more from you in 2020.

Reply
Sara
12/23/2019 01:51:57 pm

Thank you, Diane. I hope your next year and decade are amazing, and you have a wonderful holiday as well.

Reply
Sabrina Quairoli link
12/23/2019 09:46:33 am

I feel I am at peace with the last 10 years. Though it went fast. Especially because my kids are adults now. Thinking back, the kids were so small 10 years ago. And, Facebook Memories keep showing me them young. That's a little sad though.

Reply
Sara
12/23/2019 02:50:10 pm

Yes, I have one that's technically an adult now too. Very strange feeling to see her head out the door, and then see the Memories on Facebook from when she was little. Glad to know you are at peace with the decade, too, and I hope you have a great holiday Sabrina!

Reply
Julie Bestry link
12/24/2019 05:33:10 pm

I'm really glad I read your post Sara, and it got me thinking about my own decade, and I realize I'd REALLY forgotten to give myself credit for some accomplishments. I guess I "regressed to the mean" and, on average, hadn't felt like I'd done much, but your posts sharpened my 20-20 rear-view-mirror just in time for 2020! You've left me feeling much more anticipatory and hopeful for what is to come!

Reply
Sara
12/24/2019 08:50:18 pm

Wow, Julie, thank you for this. It's nice to know my rambling provoked some good thoughts. I look forward to seeing what fabulous things are in store for you!

Reply



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    Sara Skillen - Certified Professional Organizer®, Certified Organizer Coach®, wife, mom, dog-lover, author.  Learning to trust my intuition more every day. Shall we work together?

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