Slipping Standing
by Elizabeth Webb
Sometimes you slip on the ice a little. Sometimes you climb that mountain feeling like nothing can slow your stride. The ice has been a little dangerous lately, but being the survivor that I guess I am, what can I do but keep trying to climb that mountain, cross that impossible river and keep walking through this fire. Just gotta keep walking and slipping and forever falling because the minute I think I can walk upright without anyone’s help is the day that I deny the very thing that allows me to stand at all. Beyond the smoke and mirrors of this life is the truth that none of us can stand on our own. Not one. Not me. Not one.
January 5th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Just wanted to say that I appreciate your thoughts, Elizabeth, especially the line ” . . . the minute I think I can walk upright without anyone’s help is the day that I deny the very thing that allows me to stand at all.” So true.
I’ve been lurking around the site for a while and decided it was time to introduce myself. Not sure this is the right place to do that, but since I don’t know where is the right place, I’ll do it here. So here’s a mishmash of information to get started.
I’m working at following the dream of being a writer — one of those mountains I sometimes climb confidently and sometimes find myself careening down on my butt. My current project is a novel (my first book-length project) for ages 10 and up. It’s a crazy age group. I think you either love ‘em or hate ‘em. I’ve done a little of both. I was born in the U.S. but Quebec City (Canada) has been home for the past 22 years. Married, three kids (18, 16 and 10).
Thanks again for your thoughts. It encourages me when I remember that God takes me the way I am — sprawled on my face on the ice, crumbled behind a mountain boulder in a grimy self-pitying heap, or striding along with the stamina of an iron-man contestant. And it eaves me with the question: How would my life and my relationships be different if I were convinced of that 100% of the time? Nothing to lose. Nothing to prove. Free to offer the best of who I am . . . all the time.
January 12th, 2008 at 7:38 am
Kathy
Sorry about the long delay in responding. Delighted to hear of your journey and glad Elizabeth could be an encouragement. If you are interested in a further dialogue shoot e an email at gary@viaaffirmativa.com. I’m responsible for giving leadership to the Via Affirmativa society . We will ba having a gathering this summer June 6-10 in Colorado. If you like we can add your name to our mail list. Just let me know in an email. WEW have number of Via friends in Canada.
Gary
January 16th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Hi Kathy! I enjoyed your thoughts especially the one about “careening down on my butt”. I think I’ve found, sigh, that some of the best lessons and the best ideas come from failing or feeling like I’ve failed. So, the challenge is allowing and absorbing the “failure” sometimes…in a way. If I’m open to what can happen then it can open a door to creativity I would never have seen.
I hope you stay connected. Via is in touch with many wonderful people and I’m sure there are more to be in touch with soon!
Elizabeth