This transition of menopause offers much in the way of creative inspiration.
Trying to manifest the inspiration into output is proving to be more difficult!
Here’s a wee poem I wrote in response to my chosen word of the year, courage.
To choose, courage or collapse – this is what’s available to us in times of crises.
In honour of all those who can’t choose … I call for ceasefire from the deepest chasm of my unfathomable being.
Courage or Collapse
In case you prefer to read, or need a wee bit of help to understand me, here’s the transcript:
She is privileged
to have two choices,
courage or collapse.
To collapse might end
the persistent,
all-encompassing,
overwhelming
tiredness of each day.
She imagines collapsing,
rehearses and fantasises.
In the midst of dinner,
she could simply slide
down the kitchen cabinets,
a puddle
on the
floor.
PING!
Today, the tiredness is vanquished.
For no discernable reason,
an absence
where yesterday’s tiredness
permeated
each
blood
cell.
Ashamed and abashed, she finds vigour renewed and motivation restored.
The fog parts and the road ahead is a to-do list longer than her remaining years.
All she needs is more discipline.
More time!
Better nutrition!
More sleep!
All she needs is to get serious.
PING!
A new day and
she stares at her planner.
The text, a trickster dancing on the page
won’t stay still,
she can’t catch it.
But she’s holding on… and summons COURAGE.
Courage to not collapse
Courage to turn the page
Courage to make mistakes
Courage to share.
Courage to not look away
Courage to speak up
Courage to stay silent.
Courage to grieve
Courage to love
Courage to stay the course.
To choose courage is her privilege and she holds on, in honour of all those who can’t.
I love this, Julie. In fact this seems to have been most of my adult life.
I hear you! Here’s to courage xo
Drinking my morning coffee as I listen to your voice reading a poem that perfectly describes my state of being. You’ve captured both the physical and emotional descriptions beautifully. Thank you.
Love the idea of accompanying your morning coffee, Jan – slàinte mhath!
You have a very beautiful voice, but also what comes through from your soul and so much comes through. Very listenable! Your art and expressive voice meld well.
Thanks for your kind words, Cheryle – I appreciate you tuning in!
Beautiful. Your words speak to my heart, and it hears them. I’m going to play with courage throughout April, let’s see how it goes 🙂 x
Amplifying your intention for playful courage, Janet! I’m with you all the way xo
Hearing you, and remembering the melted ice cream van image after a particularly profound somatic dive together!
My retrospectively realised word for this year is Generosity, and since yesterday I´m fully committing to the courage to be generous to my self xx
I’ll never forget it, Lindsay! One of the best, ever 🙂 Celebrating you and your self-generosity (and wishing you more of it) even as I have been touched by your relational generosity and am so very thankful for it xo
Thank you for sharing your poem, Julie!! This poem touches many of my thoughts and feelings. Especially now, when I’ve taken on a huge endeavor and have had many obstacles getting in my way!! But I shall persevere (perseverance is my chosen word for the year) It takes courage to persevere! Thank you for being here! ❤️
Cheering you all the way, Linda! May those obstacles melt as fast as they form xo
Thank you Julie, words of wisdom for sure. I so can feel the words you speak❤️❤️Big love to you❤️
I love it and resonate deeply with this.