Summer Paradox
One of the most profound lessons that I’ve learned during this time is that sorrow and joy have to co-exist and that both can exist in the same space. We often try to live our lives in either one or the other state without realizing that life is a jumble of it all. I realized that I had to be okay with the constant irony of life. I also begin to understand that we can’t absorb it all. We have to find a place where we fit, a place where we can contribute our unique sensibilities to the world without becoming overwhelmed by all the needs of the world. I always feel so much better when I am operating from my niche and filtering out the ways of being that don’t align with my own. I’m not saying not to take in other perspectives what I am saying is don’t forget to be yourself. We are all made and designed for this time, so don’t forget what your part to play is.
Sweater: Marshalls Shorts: Boohoo Hat: Walmart: Old T-Shirt: Thrift
This is how I choose to move through this summer 2020, allowing joy and sorrow to co-exist in the same space. I cannot allow myself to go too far in either direction but maintaining balance. I find myself laughing with joy and shedding tears of anguish in the same day and for me that is okay. There are times I feel helpless and empowered all at the same time as well. I understand that there is no right or wrong to feeling what we feel as long as we process those feelings. Just as much as I love the sun shining I enjoy the summer rain. And the crazy part is that in the summer both happen over and over in the same 24 hours and I find comfort in that. Summer reminds us to be flexible to wear shorts and pack an umbrella, to be prepared for the spastic weather patterns. I have allowed this understanding to inform how I am moving through this season.
I can’t ignore the heaviness of life right now but I also can’t forget to breathe. I believe that what often causes us anxiety is trying to overcome the guilt for the light moments when we allow ourselves to laugh. But be reminded we need those light moments to survive and to keep going. Laughing is high on my self-care list. Joy is necessary. I will be honest, I miss the freedom of summer, that feeling of limitlessness we all feel…festivals, traveling and just taking up space outside. But I thank 2020 for imploring me to never take these things for granted again. But also to learn how to be okay with the hardships that life presents. I will admit I am an eternal optimist but this year has been a lot for even me. But I am trying to keep the fun of summer alive even with the social distancing awkwardness and the hard but necessary discord created by social justice. I have to allow these spaces to coexist, I hope you will too. SUMMER is NOT CANCELED!
With Love,
Cree
