I used to pride myself on my independence.
That was before I was in-dependence.
Now things are different. I must rely on others to cook, clean, and oftentimes drive me to medical appointments.
And if truth be told, I miss my independence. Oh, sure, I could take the spiritual high road, the enlightened path, and say that I accept this new condition without judgement, knowing that it is unfolding perfectly for my soul’s evolution. But, heck, I’d rather tell the truth. The truth is, I miss my independence.
I miss swimming, biking, hiking and attending parties with my friends. I miss having the energy to clean my house, cook dinner and entertain. I miss going out on adventure with my husband. I miss doing what I want to do when I want to do it.
But, if truth be told, I still love life.
For you see, I can still write. I can still read. I can still sit outside and watch the animal antics going on around our mountaintop home. I can still dream of a better life. I can still paint and laugh with my friends. And most importantly, I can still love.
So, on this July 4th, when I won’t have the energy to watch the fireworks, I will have the energy to humble myself once again before my creator and thank Him for allowing me to celebrate yet one more Independence Day. One more day of being grateful that I live in such a great country, a country that values individual freedom and safety, a country that values life. For after all, isn’t life worth valuing? Isn’t independence worth having? Isn’t in-dependence a chance to continue loving?
How will you celebrate this 4th of July?
Sir Independence
How will you celebrate your independence?
I am Free!
I often don’t know how to respond to your posts. I am either in awe or in tears, or both. Thank you for the beautiful reminder to recognize opportunity in each day, to embrace what we can accomplish, no matter how grand, or how small, to appreciate all we’ve been given. And that includes our beautiful country. Happy Fourth of July. May you see shooting stars and rainbows. You are a blessed being. Thank you.
You are an A+ reader! You embrace the essence of my core messages. Nothing makes me happier. Thank you for commenting.
You are so brave and strong plus you have such a positive attitude. God bless you in your journey and I am praying for a burst of energy for you to watch the fireworks!
Debra
Thanks, Debra! I do love fireworks–you are my inspiration to try to stay up that long. We can see them from our mountaintop.
Happy 4th of July, Gayle and Mike. I, too, will celebrate my independence with great thanks for all that I am able to do and those that I love to do with! I also remember that each of us is a various states of in-dependence… and that’s okay because part of giving thanks is recognizing with the great appreciation all those who support and love unconditionally!
Hi Joyce. Yes, I recognize and appreciate all of my support! Mike has been amazing through all this, no matter how difficult it (and I) can be at times! Happy 4th to you, too. May you have a grand celebration with those you love.
Oh Gayle, you did it again. With a few simple words the tears are streaming down my face freely and my eyes have opened wider to the wonder that is this life.
Thank you!
Michole
Then I have been successful in my message. Life is indeed wonder-full. May you experience your full quotient.
You have the right attitude and God will bless you for that. You inspire others with your honesty and hope for the future.
Have a great 4th of July.
Cheri
Thank you, Cheri. God has already blessed me in so many ways. I bask in the blessings!
You inspire me so much as I to live my life in graditude. Thank you! I love you my friend – Christine
Sweet Christine. You have always brought such happiness and laughter into my life. Thank you for continuing to do so. With friends like you holding me up, I could live forever!
Hey Gayle! I’ll be thinking about you when I’m hiking the Pacific Crest Trail on the 4th. I’ll be hiking into Beldon, CA near Quincy. Happy trails and hugs.
Laurie Hallum
Hi Laurie. That is a section of the PCT that I haven’t hiked. Enjoy it double for me, okay? 🙂
Personally I don’t know of anyone who has written clearly their experience
of life’s journey at the twilight as you have. Thank you again and again
for your (yes) refreshing words, beautifully expressed.
Of course your independence is second nature, being born in July. May you
find joy on your birthday that you so deserve. I too was born in July and
have a good bit of independence also. Continue to enjoy that view on your
mountain top. Love you
I always knew you are a spunky girl, now I know why. 🙂 Thank you for your kind words about my writing. It is something I can give at this time in my life. It feels good to do it, but it wouldn’t feel this good without readers like you. Thank you for continuing to support my efforts.
Missy Gayle, a wonderful post as always. So few people who are excellent writers can also convey deep spiritual meaning. Many very spiritual people do not have the gift of sharing in beautiful words. You are blessed with the ability to do both, which is why WE are so blessed in knowing you and being able to read your thoughts. Love and blessings and energy to you, my dearest friend!
Oh, Pamela, what lovely things you say! Thanks to you I was able to get started on my manuscript and continue my writing.Bless you for that! And as far as spiritual, if you can read my thoughts, it sounds like you’re quite advanced along those lines. 🙂
As usual your wisdom lights up a room. Am sitting in my den on the Vineyard and along with your wisdom, lightning accompanying the passing hurricane, and the few fireworks (measly due to 80 mile/hr winds) and sharing stories about your Mike and the crazy Mike. The crazy one is visiting with wife Andie and daughter Hannah. If laughter is the best medicine, I should ship him Fed Ex Overnight out to you. When he leaves, my sides ache…and the larder including the bar…are seriously depleted. We are all very happy to have you as our CUZ. You inspire us like no one else. Keep on truckin!!! GG XO
Hi Cuz, Yes, by all means, ship that crazy guy out here. I could use a good laugh! And am so happy to be embraced by the fold–all as crazy as the next one. 🙂 Mike and I thought of you as we watched the path of the hurricane. We figured it would provide you with a really good show–better than, but not as colorful as, fireworks. Our fireworks happen every day as the thermometer reaches over 100 degrees. So I hope you’re enjoying that sea air for us, too. My love to you, and thanks for your kind words.
Gayle…Everyone has written so eloquently regarding your beautiful writing that I find myself saying “Ditto!” Losing one’s independence has got to be a difficult adjustment but it seems that what you have lost in some aspects you have gained in others. The freedom with which you express your feelings is such a blessed gift to us all…
Thank you, Sandi! I have gained so much love through this process that it is indeed humbling! I think there are hidden gifts in everything that happens to us. You are one of mine. 🙂
Well I must ditto Sandi’s ditto. :-)You certainly have a gift for lifting up those of us who can only imagine what you’re going through. Dear Gayle, I hope you enjoyed the fireworks from your mountain top. Hopefully it will cool down soon so you can sleep on your beautiful outside bed. Loving you!
Thanks Canda for the ditto. ha ha. I did get to see the fireworks from our mountaintop. I love fireworks! And, I have been sleeping outside. At night it’s usually cool enough to cozy up in a blanket. Heaven on Earth to be sure!