Suffering…when we’re in it, we think it will never end. The truth is, it is the jumping off point. Suffering kicks us in the butt and we choose to turn the page. We hurt. It’s uncomfortable, so we look for ways to relieve our suffering. We look for fixes. Some are dead ends. Others lead us to places we never imagined going. Surprises await us at every turn. Miracles are born. Veils lift. Our sorrow grows into purpose and a broadening of perspective. We discover there is much more inside of us than we ever knew. This is the miracle of transformation.
Yesterday, I read a post by author/memoirist/blogger/writer/friend, contributor to Voices of Wisdom series, Kathy Pooler. The title captured my attention when it appeared on my Facebook page buried among the endless political posts and a reminders of the recent act of terrorism. Turning the Page: A Memoir Moment smacked of hope, at least for me.
TURN THE PAGE
“Turn the page” was my mantra during a crisis point in my life. Day after day I listened to REO Speedwagon’s song Roll with the Changes on headphones while hoofing it on a treadmill at a near by health club. I focused on a big beautiful tree across the way and faced my fears one by one.
In one of those moments, I found the courage to choose to do what I always wanted to do — to write. The time arrived when I was ready to make serious changes in my life. Each time I heard the lyric, “So if you’re tired of the same old story, Oh, turn some pages”, it reminded to accept things I did not want to accept and choose to move forward. I was being called to loosen my grip and let the winds of my spirit take me somewhere unexpected.
There are things in life we can not change. The past is one. Physical disabilities for another. But, it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. In fact, it can be the beginning. Kathy’s description of her journey, delivered with depth of experience and understanding, reminds readers that when we follow our heart and do what we know we must do, our life becomes far richer than we dared dream possible.
Yes, we have limitations. But, they need not break us or ruin our lives. We may start with suffering, but we can always end with transformation.
LIFE TRANSITIONS: Pathway to a Happier You!
In my new book I share bits and pieces of my journey through the upheaval of my mid-life years and what I learned along the way. We are all different, but there are fundamental truths that speak to everyone. My eternal hope is that you will find a thing or two of value on the pages that will make your journey a little smoother and just as rewarding as mine has been. The paperback is now available on Amazon.
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Even though I am on a blog “fast” right now because of the death of my aunt and all the attendant concerns, I shared this on my Facebook friend. Kathy Pooler is a dear friend and she knows well whereof she speaks. Brava to you both.
I’m sorry for your loss, Marian. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and share my post. Kathy is a role model for all of us, as are you!
I too am proud to call myself Kathy’s friend. And Dorothy, the message you write here so eloquently is one I adopted twenty five years ago. Awareness, acceptance, change became my mantra (in that order). You’ve inspired me to write more about that decision.
I love that you write about it as a decision, a point in your history, with particular stimuli pushing you on. Thank you.
Thanks for stopping by, Janet. I do believe it is a choice, one that may be more obvious to some of us simply by the way life unfolded. To go beyond where we are in any given moment is an act of will.
Oh, Dorothy , I am humbled and honored by your generous mention. Thank you! And thanks to Marian and Janet for such loving support and friendship. It feeds my soul. Your wise words about transformation through suffering resonate–the only way to the other side is through– and I’m proud to be a part of such a caring community which spreads love and hope. We all have our burdens but together we are stronger. I have your “Finding Hope” and love it. Thank you for all the ways you inspire and guide us.
You, sweet Kathleen, are an inspiration to me!
As always, Dorothy, you touch on lifetime challenges and why we should hope — and not be afraid to “turn the page.” Lovely post, Kathy Pooler. Much to consider here!
Kathy is a gutsy, wise woman.
Thank you, Christy!
Wonderful post Dorothy thank you! Great wisdom –
Thank you, Susan.