Joy and pain are so close together and one simply does not come without the other – a bit like sunshine and rain.
“Joy and pain, they are but two arteries of the one heart that pumps through all those who don’t numb themselves to really living.” — Ann Voskamp
What would nature look like with just sunshine and no rain? We actually know – it would be a desert.
Beautiful but rather uninhabitable – at least for most of us.
I have come to realize for myself that I love the seasons, the change of nature, temperature, finding great joy in the wind, the rain, and the stunningly beautiful colors that autumn has to offer. What also comes with this are the fierce storms, the bleak grey days where you rather snuggle up with a good book than go out. When it starts getting cold and the first snowfalls in winter change the landscape once again and also change the mood. There are those beautiful crispy cold days with sunny blue skies that invite you to stomp through the untouched white snow. Then come the wet cold days, the snow has turned from white to grey (and in case you were not aware, NEVER eat yellow snow) and it is almost depressing. Then spring arrives with its promise of renewal and nature exploding with flowers and green and you feel you want to jump with joy. The summer follows with its warmth and we are able to be outside more than in any other season. Sometimes it gets unbearably hot and we feel uncomfortable. JOY AND PAIN!
But would I want it to be summer and sunshine all the time? I can only speak for myself but the answer is definitely – NO!
I embrace the seasons just as I embrace the joys and pains that come with a life that is lived. I would most certainly not be the person or the woman I am today – and I really like myself the way I am!
For me, the change of seasons belongs together just as much as joy and pain in life. You don’t learn to appreciate one without the other and it simply does make us the people we are.
It’s often said that life doesn’t give you more than you can bear, and I think there must something to that.
Some chase the joy in life while others prefer to focus on the pain.
Then there are those who avoid pain at all costs no matter who they hurt to avoid it.
Then there are those who just live and take life as it comes with the good and the ugly, the joy and the pain, staying optimistic even when there seems to be nothing to be optimistic about.
There are those who live in a state of forgiveness, embracing life with all its joy and pain, being true to themselves no matter what others may think or say – I am doing my best to get there.
There is one reader of my newsletter in particular who regularly gives me his amazing feedback and to whom I am endlessly grateful as I learn so much and he always gives me wonderful food for thought.
“The body grows by food and work, the mind by use, and the soul through joy and pain.” — Myrtle Reed
If you would like to connect with me, find out more about the Enneagram and yourself, how it can transform you and your life, I would be happy to take the time for a speed coaching call that you can reserve right here go to my website or simply send me an email and get in touch with me directly.
“Poetry is a deal of joy and pain and wonder, with a dash of the dictionary.” — Khalil Gibran
🎶My Song of the Week
📚My Poem of the Week
Is by William Wordsworth (1770-1850)
If This Great World Of Joy And Pain
If this great world of joy and pain
Revolve in one sure track;
If freedom, set, will rise again,
And virtue, flown, come back;
Woe to the purblind crew who fill
The heart with each day’s care;
Nor gain, from past or future, skill
To bear, and to forbear!
👀Impressions
Of the seasons…
Wishing you an amazing weekend and I cannot wait for your feedback!
Yours
Tanja 🤗
MY JOURNEY 