November 29, 2020-The Paths We Choose
“Sometimes the right path is not always the easiest one. ”
Anonymous
2020 has been a year like no other in recent history. Like a tornado, it has torn through our lives, upending our routines, forcing us to make critical choices on new patterns of behavior; from where we work and who we see, to what we wear and where we’ll travel, in order to keep ourselves and others healthy and safe.
It has been an incredible challenge on many levels, but it’s also brought some gifts of new possibilities and understandings. Normally during Summer through the holiday season, we’re “jamming” with preparations for back-to-back shows. But due to the pandemic, we had all of our sixteen jewelry shows cancelled. When the realization came that all of our predetermined plans had changed without any of our control, we knew we had to make some changes and thought about what we could and couldn’t do.
“Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.
Theodore Roethke
At first, facing the idea that we didn’t know how long our lives would be curtailed was daunting, but as time passed we learned to adjust and even enjoy the new landscape of our lives. While we continue to create jewelry, without the demands and pressure of shows, we have had time to actually enjoy the beautiful area we live in, as well as other potential areas for exploration. Daily walks in nature has proven to be especially calming, with reflective observations to remind us that life is change and to be healthy and survive, we need to adapt at what changes the world brings.
“Sometimes we can only find our true direction when we let the wind of change carry us.”
Mimi Novic
For the first time in many years, I’ve had time to explore other areas I’ve dreamed about and put on the proverbial back burner. Exploring the paths of nature photography and painting watercolors, have led to new avenues of artistry. This dream came to fruition yesterday when I was accepted into a local gallery for a selection of both.
“Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don’t fight them. Just find a new way to stand.”
Oprah Winfrey
While we still don’t know what this new year will bring, we have learned to both adjust and adapt to the economic, personal and social changes in our lives. We’ve learned how to prioritize what we spend, whether it’s money or time. Excursions outside of the home are contemplated and evaluated as to their critical importance. And once taken for granted, we realize how precious the time is spent with family and friends, whether it’s a safely distanced visit,reaching out through a phone call, social media, or Zoom meeting. And faced with the specter of so many pandemic tragedies, we’ve recognized once again, how we should treasure each day traveling the paths of our lives and make choices to help us reach the destination of our own individual dreams.
What gifts or understandings have you reached during these uncertain times? As always, we invite you to share thoughts or quotes that inspire you. Thank you for taking time to read our blog and feel free to share this with someone who might find it meaningful.
“Perhaps that is where our choice lies—in determining how we will meet the inevitable end of things, and how we will greet each new beginning.”
Elana K. Arnold
Betty Jean WilcoxNovember 29, 2020
The gift of uncommitted time is very precious and that is a gift I’ve treasured. The time to “play” with new ideas, new techniques, new colors with no set agenda. There have been many difficult challenges this year, too, but I’m going to focus on those positives. It has been fun seeing what you and Ron have done with your time — much loveliness!
WendyNovember 29, 2020
It truly has been a gift of time….not one we had hoped for, but upon reflection was one that opened us up to new possibilities. Thanks so much for taking the time to read our blog and share your thoughts.