Nature’s Lent

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Alberta, boredom, Calgary, changing seasons, choice, cycling, Diana Schwenk, Life's like that, living in the moment, longing, lonliness, reflection, rest, stillness, summer, waiting, winter

Winter makes me question all sorts of choices I’ve made. It passes slowly, each day seemingly the same as the one before. The alarm goes off while it’s still dark out. I drink coffee, shower, dress, get in my car and go to work. I come home, eat, watch some TV, go to bed, maybe read a chapter or two. The alarm goes off while it’s still dark out.

It’s a low time for me, a time when nature sleeps beneath the snow. I reflect on the past. I think about the things I could have, should have done differently. I mourn what is lost. I let go of things I can’t change, things that aren’t important. I re-prioritize. It’s a time when I feel as though something is missing. A time when I long for something else, when I long for summer.

But this year before the spring, in January and February when it felt like I could not take the dark, stillness and cold anymore, or the day-in, day-out sameness, it occurred to me that maybe that’s the way it’s meant to be. Maybe it’s what allows me to start again with a fresh perspective.

It’s nature’s lent. A time of rest and reflection and yes, a time of maddening boredom too. A time to long for the sun’s warmth, and yet, somehow, the perfect springboard to an all-the-more enjoyable summer.

And I do love summer. And this past Sunday’s afternoon bike ride was well worth the long wait!

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~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~

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The Last Chance

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200 words, change, choice, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, Do the right thing, forgiveness, learning, lessons, life, Life's like that, living in the moment, mistakes, second chance, wrong

We never really learn from the first mistake or the second or third. It only hits us when we’re given the last chance. ~ unattributed

I’d like to think that I when I make a mistake, I recognize I’ve done so right away and at the very least, I do not repeat it ever again.

But is that what really happens? For me? You?

When the above quote appeared on my twitter feed, it stopped me in my tracks.

I can think of specific examples when I said or did something, and immediately I’d wished I hadn’t done it. I tell myself I will never do that again and before I know it, I find myself in a similar situation and I DO IT AGAIN!

What is wrong with me?!

It’s as if I’m programmed to do it. Usually it takes several instances before I can commit fully to I-will-never-do-that-again.

Then there are those times when I am not aware that what I am doing is a mistake, or not the best choice I can make until I’m given one last chance or it’s just too late. period.

~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~

Can you relate? What has your experience been?

Celebrate Joy and Grow Through Sorrow

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200 words, change, choice, courage, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, dreams, encourage, faith, Fear, gift, grateful, growing up, journey, joy, learning, life, living in the moment, love, meaningful, mistakes, Purpose, Relationships, sorrow

When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate, when life is bitter, say thank you and grow. ~ unknown

What an amazing journey we’re on!

Life is a gift.

Its ebbs and flows.

Its highs and lows.

The connections we make and break.

The joys and sorrows we experience.

Each one of our paths; unique

a combination of choice and circumstance.

Sometimes courageously following our dreams. Inspiring and encouraging others to follow theirs. Take hold of ‘moments of joy’ – treasure them in your heart. They will carry you through the hard times.

Other times we are paralyzed by fear. Making us empathetic and patient with others who are afraid. Embrace every part of who you are.

Rippling effects that change the course of our path, that teach us if we let them. Or haunt us until we are teachable.

Life is a gift.

A beautiful and precious gift.

Don’t squander it.

Don’t take it for granted.

Be grateful for every opportunity given.

Even our mistakes have meaning when viewing our lives in this way.

~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~

When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate, when life is bitter, say thank you and grow.

Stop and Think

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choice, death, Diana Schwenk, drinking and driving, family, friends, Think, tragedy, wisdom, world issues

Don’t get me wrong. I like having a glass or two of my favourite cocktail. The occasional beer hits that spot on a hot summer’s day. A glass raised in a toast to a newly married couple or in honour of a loved one’s achievement helps us to celebrate the milestones in life. And in hard times, wine shared with a friend brings comfort and hope.

But please, when you are done and contemplating going home, stop and think about whether you should be driving or not.

Stop and think about our sons and daughters – we’ve worked hard to give them a good start in life. We’re proud of their accomplishments. We know that they will do great things and impact this world in remarkable ways.

Stop and think about our grandparents, our parents, our teachers, our coaches – all those wonderful people who have mentored us, taught us and helped us find our way in this world.

Stop and think about our friends. They are as close as family to us. They stand by us through thick and thin. They mean everything to us.

Stop and think about them. We love them so very much.

The cost of a bus ride or taxi seems trivial compared to the cost of losing a loved one.

~

I never met her. I understand that she was one of the happiest people ever. She was always smiling. She was always looking at the positives in any given situation.

A few days ago, Bailey drove her sister home after they enjoyed some time together.

I wasn’t there, but I imagine they hugged when Bailey dropped her off.

Maybe they talked about the next time they would get together.

Probably Bailey said I love you before her sister shut the car door.

I bet Bailey watched her sister open the house door and waved to her before she went in.

Maybe Bailey smiled when she thought of their day together – about how blessed she was to have a sister before she put the car into gear and drove off.

It is my understanding that Bailey was within a kilometer of her house when she was hit by a drunk driver.

Michaela 2nd from the left and Bailey, far right with friends on their graduation.

Please – Stop and think before you drive.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who loved Bailey.

Rest in peace Bailey

~ THE HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~