Today I am a mother, a daughter, a teacher, a grandmother, a wife, a cyclist, a yogini, a friend, and a playmate. I am Thelma to Kathy’s Louise. I am someone who loves the rain. I am a sister. I am a writer…Yes, I am a writer who must write to survive. I have so many things I need to do right now to get caught up after being our of town, but I must write before I do anything else.
I got up at 5 am this morning, fed the dog, drank my tea and headed out on my bike. After riding 240 miles in 6 days, the passion to move, to feel the air against my face, the street beneath my wheels, is almost insatiable. As I sped along, pushing through the blanket of humidity that resisted my every move forward, I realized I must move to live. I must breath deeply and I must spend as much time as possible outside. As it started to rain, I thanked the Divine Mother excited for giving us the water we so desperately need. Who would have ever thought I would relish the stinging sensation of raindrops piercing my skin. I relished every single pellet.
I am a vibrant, talkative, fun-loving woman who thrives on activity and challenge. Age will not deter my zest for life. The age range on the cycling trip I just finished was 9 years to 82 years. I marveled at the strength and determination of those, years older than me, who passed me with ease, fearlessly flying down mountain roads, howling as they flew by.
I am the one who climbed out of the rubble of a war-torn childhood because I believed I could. I am the one who believes against all odds in the fortitude and perseverance of mankind. I am the one who will not allow the nay-sayers to defeat me. I will not succumb to those who want to replace democracy with tyranny, those who would go to any lengths to convince us that we need protection more than we need freedom. I will never give up my right to choose my own path.
I am the woman who overcame sexual, emotional and physical abuse, who left home at 16 because I knew life was not an endless chain of cigarettes and alcohol. I have the strength and courage to say “enough.” I know when to stop and when to leave. But more importantly, I know when to stay, when to dig in, and when to commit. I trust my intuition and my heart to guide me through the darkest of times.
My love is warmer than the warmest sunshine
Softer than a sigh.
My love is deeper than the deepest ocean
Wider than the sky.
My love is brighter than the brightest star
That shines every night above
And there is nothing in this world
That can ever change my love
Something happened to my heart the day that I met you
Something that I never felt before
You are always on my mind no matter what I do
And everyday it seems that I want you more
My love is warmer than the warmest sunshine
Softer than a sigh.
My love is deeper than the deepest ocean
Wider than the sky.
My love is brighter than the brightest star
That shines every night above
And there is nothing in this world
That can ever change my love
Once I thought that love was meant for anyone else but me
Once I thought you’d never come my way
Now it only goes to show how wrong we all can be
For now I have to tell you everyday
My love is warmer than the warmest sunshine
Softer than a sigh
My love is deeper than the deepest ocean
Wider than the sky
My love is brighter than the brightest star
That shines every night above
And there is nothing in this world
That can ever change my love
My love is warmer than the warmest sunshine
Softer than a sigh
My love is deeper than the deepest ocean
Wider than the sky
My love is brighter than the brightest star
That shines every night above
And there is nothing in this world
That can ever change my love Petula Clark
“Everything in moderation, Petty.” Those were the last words my grandmother, Katherine, spoke to me. At that time, I could not conceive of such a life style. I could not eat one candy bar. I had to eat 10 or more stopping only after I got sick, bloated and nauseous. I compulsively smoked cigarettes, ate entire packs of gum, chewing one piece after another. I drank to get drunk and I ate to blot out the pain, the memories, the fear and the self-loathing. No more.
I have no doubt that I am the manifestation of God’s love. In me there is a light that lights the whole world. If I make up my mind to do something, I can follow through. No matter what obstacles arise, I remain steady and clear. I am determined to lean into any challenge and ride winds of change with elegance and ease.
I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an’ pretend
‘Cause I’ve heard it all before
And I’ve been down there on the floor
No one’s ever gonna keep me down again
Oh yes, I am wise
But it’s wisdom born of pain
Yes, I’ve paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can do anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman
You can bend but never break me
‘Cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
And I come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
‘Cause you’ve deepened the conviction in my soul
Oh, yes, I am wise
But it’s wisdom born of pain
Yes, I’ve paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can face anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman
I am woman watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe
As I spread my lovin’ arms across the land
But I’m still an embryo
With a long, long way to go
Until I make my brother understand
Oh, yes, I am wise
But it’s wisdom born of pain
Yes, I’ve paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can face anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman
Oh, I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong
I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong
I am woman Helen Reddy
Get to a yoga class. Ride a bike. Play with a hoola-hoop. Go roller skating. Walk in the rain. Meet life today with a smile and a glint in your eye. Do not deny yourself the life you deserve to live. You are worth it.
Writing into the Light 