Tags
afraid, believe, Calgary, Diana Schwenk, dreams, excuse, faith, fear of failure, inner-voice, living in the moment, snow, spirit, Spring, too old, waiting, walk, weak, winter
The other day one of my friends sent the following tweet:
“Spring, you are such a tease. Let me know when you’re ready to commit and we’ll talk.”
Seriously, spring is a tease!
Last week it was 19c that’s about 67f in American!
Her tweet made me laugh – mostly at myself and my own frustration with a winter that seems to be lasting longer than ever.
Waiting for Spring
I have been waiting for spring since February!
The truth is, winter isn’t lasting longer than any other year and I feel this way every year.
Get a grip Diana, after all you live in Canada – why are you surprised?
Well enough is enough.
I need to get out there – with or without spring!
So on Monday in -10c weather
I dressed in layers
put on a hat
grabbed my way-too-expensive down-filled coat and with camera in hand set out for a walk.
Once out there I realized it wasn’t so bad after all.
The sun was shining brightly, causing me to squint and my legs were happy to be moving.
What else I’m waiting for?
Not a fan of waiting at the best of times, my frustration with winter got me to thinking about what else I might be waiting for and why?
If you’ve ever been in a place where you were doing exactly what you knew you should be doing
and something happened that closed that chapter in your life, you may be able to relate to what I’m about to tell you next.
For the last 2 1/2 years I’ve been waiting out a different kind of winter
waiting for inspiration
waiting for that next opportunity to present itself
waiting for a different kind of spring.
Could it be that it’s time to just stop waiting?
Could it be that I simply need to act and just go do what I am meant to do?
~
But here’s the thing.
I’m afraid.
I have self-doubt.
I could fail and make a fool of myself.
Maybe I’m too old to start something new.
These are not easy things for me to admit.
Even thinking these thoughts (never mind writing them here) makes me feel weak.
Yet I am often encouraging others to take hold of their dreams
to trust their inner-voice
believe in themselves and act accordingly.
It’s time for me to swallow my fears and take my own advice.
Enough is enough.
I need to dress in the layers of my years of experience and believe that they have merit.
I need to adorn my head with all the knowledge I’ve gleaned and believe that it is useful.
I need to cover myself with all the skills I’ve picked up and the value I can bring to my community.
And just walk out that door and do it.
I bet I will find it’s not that bad out there
and when I take that first step in faith
my heart and spirit will just be happy to be soaring again.
I hadn’t been walking (a favourite pastime of mine) because I’ve been waiting for spring.
But on Monday I stopped waiting, dressed for the challenge, went out and enjoyed a long walk.
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
Is there something you haven’t been doing because [insert reason]?
shianwrites said:
Way to go. Good for you… The weather is the same here in NYC.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Shian! And sorry to hear that.
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myrthryn said:
Great Post… chuckle..wink.. 😉
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks so much loved your poem at http://afterhisimage.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/not-so-middle-earth/
😉
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Pingback: Not So Middle-Earth | After his Image
dianasschwenk said:
Thanks for the chuckle and the mention my friend!
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artsifrtsy said:
I always remember my grandparents talking about waiting to retire so they could buy and RV and travel and camp and fish and all the things they loved to do – but they waited too long. Grandma’s health declined and they stayed home for the last 25 years of their time together. Today is the day.
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dianasschwenk said:
Aww that’s too bad for them. I hear what you’re saying, and will gather up courage and wits. I’ve always admired how you make time to do what you love.
xo
Diana
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dianasschwenk said:
Dave my fellow Canadians in our beautiful province of P.E.I. might say they have the perfect potatoes!
I have visited many states but never Idaho, I need to get my Canadian butt out there one of these days! Happy Spring!
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Dave said:
I am much like you Diana, and believe me I live in a spot that teases me with a false Spring, every year.
Cold, snow, and then…..60 some odd Fahrenheits, and Spring arrives, every year.
Had that going for about a week until, it snowed, yesterday. Today? 60 some odd Fahrenheits, and the annual tease, begins! 🙂
Welcome to Idaho, land of perfect potatoes.
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Professions for PEACE said:
Diana! Oh my gosh how much do I LOVE this post! Yes these grey skies and returning snowfalls are playing havoc on my moods and it’s hard sometimes to remain up when I want to be digging on my hands and knees in the garden but it’s still FROZEN! Sigh.
Your analogy here is PERFECT: “I need to dress in the layers of my years of experience and believe that they have merit. I need to adorn my head with all the knowledge I’ve gleaned and believe that it is useful. I need to cover myself with all the skills I’ve picked up and the value I can bring to my community. And just walk out that door and do it.”
Diana, I adore your writing, and this post – with your wisdom embedded with humour – is precisely what I needed to read today. Thank you!
Big warm parka hugs! Gina
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dianasschwenk said:
Wow – thank you so much Gina! You have really encouraged me today.
warm hugs back at ya!
xo
Diana
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elizabeth2560 said:
I am not sure what challenge it is you are contemplating. You are a determined positive-thinking person. Whatever it is, I am sure you will give it your all. And even if there is no measurable “success”, you will gain the education and experience of trying. That is life. Go for it.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Elizabeth! And you’re right, even if there is no success, there is something gained – thank you!
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stuffitellmysister said:
You never cease to inspire others….I’m your cheerleader today though. . . Bring it Diana….you got this!
p.s. Spring in Oklahoma….82(F) degrees yesterday….38 degrees today… 😉
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dianasschwenk said:
Spring doesn’t sound like a stable season anywhere in North America!
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stuffitellmysister said:
Ain’t it the truth!
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mindfuldiary said:
What ever it is, you should go for it Diana. I’m excited for you. It must be something real good. I know all about fear, it has become my friend, that freaks me out every single day. Makes me doubt and question. I heard this quote from somewhere that I absolutely love: “Fear is trusting in your own powers.” Leave what you want to do for bigger powers and just keep walking in that cold. You’re truly inspirational. Btw, love how you wrote it. hugs
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks K for your encouragement and kind words!
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mrs fringe said:
Yes, yes, yes! I’m in the same place, forcing myself to move. One step at a time–we can both do it 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
sounds like a good plan!
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mrs fringe said:
🙂
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jmgoyder said:
ME TOO!
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dianasschwenk said:
let’s do it together!
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Louise Gallagher said:
Our season’s are aligned!
Time to get doing — I find I have this sense of urgency every spring — especially when it does seem like winter’s forgotten to go to sleep for the next three seasons.
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dianasschwenk said:
You’re on the go all the time, no matter the season!
xo
Diana
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Brigitte said:
D, it is supposed to be in the 70s here today and by week’s end, low 50s and rain. It’s always like this, Spring coming and going, but that snow == is that where you are? Oh my. Love your positive spirit — thank you.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Brigitte! Yup I’m in Calgary Alberta about 3 hours north of the Montana border. Sledding anyone?
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Brigitte said:
You poor dear. Well not so much if you like snow. I hope you love snow. When does it melt off? Brrr.
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dianasschwenk said:
I don’t like winter. Spring doesn’t really start until May but it can still hit freezing at night time until about June… 😦
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Jennifer's Journal said:
Hi Diana. You have my curiosity piqued! What, pray tell, is this big change you are considering? Perhaps a little hint? 😉
This reminds me of the trepidation I felt when we moved out of the city a couple of years ago. As it turned out, I have few regrets. We followed our hearts which, in my opinion, is the most trusted indicator that one is making the right decision.
I wish you peace of mind in whatever you decide. Keep us posted!
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dianasschwenk said:
all in good time Jennifer 😉
Your story is encouraging because you also experienced some fear but went ahead with your move and are glad you did it. Something Bulldog said is sticking with me too…sometimes it’s impossible to take a step back once you’ve taken your first step, so it really doesn’t make much sense for me to fret about something I’ve already initiated, does it?
xo
Diana
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Ian Munro said:
Like the metaphor … love the action plan! Isn’t it remarkable how we can make “someone else” responsible for our success, happiness and contributions! Most of us would cite the same reasons you did … all based in a fear of being vulnerable!
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dianasschwenk said:
Hi Ian, thanks for stopping by and commenting! Thanks for your encouragement as well, it’s always good to know that I’m not the only chicken around!
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bulldog said:
To do what one wants only takes one small step.. it is sometimes impossible to step back.. but then if one is committed to something the step back should never come into the equation… step out and look up, it gives one so much confidence if the stride is with purpose and determination..
Look at me .. in my sixties, giving up a good job and laying everything on the line just for the software development that might even flop… but does that enter the equation? Not at all, we see success and a future, we cannot afford to look back or step back.. it’s too late now so every thought can only be on success and the future… and we know it’s going to work… Step out with determination and a smile on the face, everyone’s spring comes soon or later…
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dianasschwenk said:
You know…after I wrote this, it was you I was thinking about in regards to launching this new software and the risks that you are taking! Thanks for your words of encouragement. And perhaps it’s good that one can’t easily step back?
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cyclingrandma said:
Nicely put. Here we jumped from winter to a day of spring, and now 80 predicted for today– I hate the quickness- would like to have had more spring!
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dianasschwenk said:
I’m coming to your house! 😉
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this is lemonade said:
Yes! I guess starting my blog was an attempt to try and discover a way out of being stuck not doing what I should be doing. Do you ever find that you’re not sure exactly which if the things you want to do, you should be doing?
I’m also trying to get going. Spring kind of is here now. It was spring over the weekend! Then yesterday was winter. It’s spring with gusto again today. The sunshine is overwhelming. Makes me want to do things haha!
You go for it Diana! I’m excited to hear about your new adventures 🙂 Once you get out there, you’ll probably get hooked and won’t be able to stop. It’s those first slightly unsure steps that are the most difficult I think perhaps?
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dianasschwenk said:
Spring is so full of promise; literally and figuratively! Yes, I agree, those first steps feel as though you’re walking on slippery ice! Thanks for your well wishes – they mean a lot!
xo
Diana
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bodhisattvaintraining said:
go girl 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
This is me – going! 🙂
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