For many years of my life, I had this fantasy that at some point, my life would settle into a clear and peaceful pattern. I did not understand that crisis, surprise and confusion was not the exception, but the rule of life, and that stability and peace of mind came not from avoiding trouble, but from the way one learned to handle it.
A writer’s life is not stable to begin with, and mine was, for some years, utter chaos. While there is no dearth of confusion or difficulty – I get it – some clarity does emerge. I am marrying Maria. I am staying on the farm. I am getting some animals back. I wrote a novel. I wrote a short story collection. I wrote three children’s books. I am going to write a book on animal grieving. I am publishing and selling notecards, the correct use of my photographs for me. I have four dogs – Lenore, Izzy, Rose and Frieda – and I cannot imagine not having all of them, or having other dogs. I am getting some animals back, at least for the summer. I understand my life, and am, more or less managing it. No, that is not honest. I am managing it well. I know what I have, what I need.
Out of chaos, clarity. Out of fear, determination. Out of pain, understanding. Out of loss, gain. Out of sadness, joy. That is, perhaps, a peaceful life.
Did you ever have one of those days where a big challenge almost got you down? And then you find something like this that profoundly helps you?
This happened to me today! I was feeling a bit defeated and down about something… not to mention I teach kids about facing challenges with a positive attitude and I lost my way for a bit… but I bounced right back, then opened this in my email box, and aha! yes, challenges are meant to help us evolve and grow and what makes our life what it is… thanks for the reminder Jon Katz. I love this so much I have printed it out and put it on the wall near my computer…. for the next time a challenge presents itself and it reminds me these are moments of clarity, determination, understanding and joy… wow, just love, love, love this!!
