The Blessing of Our Burdens.

When I was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I remember thinking “well, that’s just great…” I had just celebrated my 42nd birthday, and had ‘big plans’ for the rest of my life. But, then this thing happened – this big, ugly thing – and, I imagined the worst.

I thought in terms of limitations and burden; never considering how something of this magnitude might serve to liberate. But, there it was in all its glory – another life lesson begging audience with ego.

And, I had PLANS – a family to raise, a book to write, a community to grow. How could this possibility fit within that context?

Was I angry? Sure, a little (at first). Though this anger was rooted, I assure you, in fear.

I was fearful of change, afraid of that ever-looming ‘what might happen next’. I feared for those who might soon be impacted, and worried over the weight of their burden.

Though I never consider how they might be enriched; how my slowing down might actually be of service to all.

My pace became more deliberate, as I learned to steady the wobble in my feet. But, in slowing down my world began to change; I began to see that which is often missed. At first, the bark of a centuries-old Elm and a squirrel standing sentry beneath her boughs. My fingers traced circles in the bordered Brook Moss, as I wondered what life might find refuge there.

Each and every path led me closer to ‘home’. And, within each precarious step I found the source of my gratitude.

Life has a way of twisting circles on a dime. Though, we are never bound by circumstances – rather, we are made free because of them.

In peace…

Namaste ❤

About

Tara Lemieux is a mindful wanderer, and faithful stargazer. Although she often appears to be listening with great care, rest assured she is most certainly‘forever lost in thought. She is an ardent explorer and lover of finding things previously undiscovered or at the very least mostly not-uncovered.

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