This is an Amazing World Waiting to be Explored

All things good are wild, and free. - Henry David Thoreau

On Friday, I will be going to interview and tour a cottage school that I am hoping will be a fit for my daughters come August.  I'm relieved.  I'm nervous.  I'm hopeful.  This is a big move for me.  It means I am also looking for good full or part time employment outside of the home.  A few weeks ago, I wrote of my plan to expand my horizons in juggling motherhood, work, and homeschooling, but I soon realized that I was still stuffing myself inside a box of expectations.  I was continuing to hang on to these notions of what I should be doing as a person who chose motherhood and chose it completely.  I still feared letting people down.

I don't fit inside any boxes.  They cannot contain me.  I will not allow them to contain me.  

I visited my grandparents in South Carolina this weekend.  My Papaw is very ill and so is my aunt.  My Mamaw is holding her own and trying to not lose her cool.  I can't imagine what she's feeling right now with a sick husband and daughter.  We just lost my uncle, her son, three years ago.  In the midst of all the emotion my family is processing, she sat me down to talk.  She always sits me down to talk, without fail.  I think this talk was the most powerful I have ever had with her.  She told me it was time to step out, take care of me, and show my daughters what I'm capable of.  In her nurturing sternness, she instructed me to not wait around another minute.  That I must do what it takes to be fulfilled, independent, and in the world.  She assured me that I am a good mother.  I have done an amazing job with my daughters, and will continue to do so in whatever construct my family takes.

My grandmother spoke to me like a pioneer of feminine empowerment.  She was a pioneer of feminine empowerment.  Once she completed her education, she worked as a paralegal.  Financial independence was always important to her.  She gave to those in need.  She fed and raised four children.  She gave in expansive ways to her community through managing an outdoor theater, writing and telling our stories, genealogy, community service, and diligent, honest work within our justice system.  If there is anyone to listen to at a time like this, it is her.  As she spoke to me, she revealed that she saw and concerned herself with my lonesomeness and needless self sacrifice.

It's time I allow myself to be wild, and FREE. 

Wheel Pose

Adventure.  Excitement.  A jedi craves not these things. - Master Yoda

This quote from the wise and infinitely old Yoda has always befuddled me.  It felt like a let down.  A jedi's life is anything but lacking adventure and excitement.  Why should not one seeking these things become a jedi?  It's only been the last couple of years that I really meditated on the meaning of these words.  (As if Star Wars is the undistinguished instruction manual for life compared to sacred scripture.)  I understand now.  They don't crave it because in their acceptance of who they are the adventure and excitement find them.  They don't have to seek it out, or make it for themselves.  They just have to be.  I am that I am.  There are no exceptions.  Acceptance is destiny.

I haven't failed because I'd like to send my children to school.  It doesn't mean that I am weak because at this point in time I seek outside employment and independence.  Changing plans and feelings is a healthy thing not to be feared, but embraced.  The ability to change our minds is an outgrowth of freedom.