Ruthie Lewis

I write this reluctantly, because it may come off a little grim, especially this time of year. But it’s specifically because this is such a beautiful time of year; the joy of giving, a time to celebrate, the parties, the lights, the festive attire, the food, family traditions and gathering with friends, that the sting goes deep for those who are suffering loss of any kind. Many of you relate, and many are those you are celebrating with.

Of course, unless we all wear a sign stating why there is a hole in our heart, no one would know the gaping sinkhole your heart has fallen into. I remember making the difficult effort to do some shopping and running errands during the season after my daughter had passed in October. I wanted to be home in bed, angry that life goes on for everyone else.

I want to share with you my favorite quote.

“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about dancing in the rain.”

I first heard it from my daughter when she adopted it as her mantra. She was a dancer since she was three. I was brought to tears one day when I came across the quote, beautifully framed, displayed on a large iron easel at Hobby Lobby not long after we lost her. I wasn’t walking out without it.

It is now prominently displayed in my living room, as well as a picture of her dancing in the rain. Her roommate had snapped it in a magical moment of, well, dancing, and I’m so grateful she did. Despite its lack of quality, I hold it so precious and had it printed on canvas, and I share it with you here.

Your peace, dreams, wholeness, are all about Dancing With Life no matter what!

How often do you actually acknowledge or even think about your dreams or even admit that you have desires? I mean really spending some heart energy to give them space, ponder and acknowledge their reality.

Maybe you’re OK physically, life is going OK for the most part. But are you really OK? After all, Thanksgiving, the time to give thanks and be grateful is not the time to admit things you are struggling with, right?

It happens when we let everyone else’s agenda live for free in our sacred space. The space meant for our own ideas, dreams, vision, answers to questions and guidance. Anything or anyone that crowds that white space is an energy drainer.

Your soul needs stillness like your body needs sleep, to re-calibrate your mind, restore and heal your body. Even more, your soul needs the same. It is decluttering emotionally, mentally, physically.

This is when everything that was meant to be awe-inspiring becomes complicated and exhausting.

Riding to our mystery destination, I felt a bit giddy for the first time in a very long time. Our chuckles sprang spontaneously. As we drove down the back roads, I looked at her and said, “If you weren’t my best friend, I would be very afraid.” She laughed and slyly proceeded.