lovely
There has been a lot of painting around here this past week.
Lilies of the valley were planted here decades ago, certainly over 50 years. It never ceases to amaze me when a plant returns year after year, for that long. These have lived over half a century, will they live that long again? I have moved a few of them to a new location, but their parent plant place remains in it's original spot- in the driveway. The smell rivals lilacs to me, and is possibly even lovelier and fills the air with what I had far too long assumed was the honeysuckle. I pride myself on noticing things, especially in nature.. .why had I not noticed the perfection of lilies of the valley before?
Thinking about lately: As a gentle person, one of my biggest challenges in life has been not allowing myself to be a door mat. Far too often I have encountered the bulldozing folk, who either unconsciously or consciously push over the tender folk with words and deeds. As stronger as I have become in middle age, it still happens from time to time- but I view the situation differently now, from the clear and informative lens of a stronger person who knows her worth, who took decades to figure it out. A couple of my children are naturally gentle like me. . . it is my hope that they get to where I am sooner than I did! Being sensitive is not a failing. . . it is in actuality an absolutely incredible strength and I can say now that I am glad of who I am, proud even.
Love,
Melanie
Lilies of the Valley are one of my favorite scents. They are heavenly! We have lived in our home for 22 years and they were also planted by someone long ago, yet they continue to spread. I dug some up and put them in front of our porch so I can enjoy the scent from there also.
ReplyDeleteI too am very sensitive and 'nice'. I am 52 and just realizing that I have rights too. I want to be kind but I no longer want to be nice. There is a subtle difference. Being nice to others usually means I am not being kind to myself and doing something against my will. But being kind is more honest as I am no longer resentful and I can respect myself and others much more. I have 7 kids and a few of them have inherited my 'niceness', I hope that they learn faster than I did that one can be kind and not be a doormat. Thanks for sharing your thoughts as always!
Oh yes Rain, that's it exactly: "nice versus kind." True kindness includes yourself, whereas "niceness" is more a people pleasing tact. I have been working the past couple years on the difference- realizing how much people-pleasing I have used since childhood, as a survival method. . . yet as a survival method it doesn't really end up working because sooner or later it sinks you. HUGS
Delete