Life, wisdom and creative retreats

I received a letter recently from a very wise friend, Joan, who so inspired me by her words (as she always does) that I asked if she would mind if I shared her letter. I met Joan as I have so many of you, through Collage of Life. Words reaching out from one to another, creating friendships of like minds, of kindred spirits. I call it the gift of blogging.

Being the gracious soul that she is, Joan was more than happy for me to share her letter and sent along the quote by Thoreau to set the tone. I am sharing because I believe there is a message in it for all of us. Especially those of us who are reflecting on the chapters of our lives. With the New Year spirit in your heart and soul... I offer wisdom and creative retreats..

Excerpts from a letter..

Dear Jeanne...

Normally I would say that age between like-minded people makes no difference and should not be referred to. But -- and I am guessing like you -- about 50, more windows opened in my brain - opened in the beginning without being quite aware.

But then - then -- I noticed that I had come into my own in so many ways that I had not seen before. What did I notice? A confidence at a level I had not experienced before. A faster stride in my step - my actual step. A step with purpose. The beginning of wisdom, just the beginning . . . but as time went on it became more noticeable to me. And yes, I believe to others. There seemed a new found respect. People listened like I was one they could believe. Sometimes I felt like one of those monks high in a mountain in Nepal in a cave with people coming up to make a pilgrimage to gain my knowledge. I did not speak unless I felt sure of myself because often, other lives would be too affected to make missteps.

Perhaps I am reading through your words. Frankly, I don't think so. I see you as I was when I was fully coming into my own. It is a good feeling. . . but I believe what I really want to say is that as talented, having the ability to swing with all sorts of circumstances and come up on top, juggling and seldom dropping a single ball that I can see, I will tell you that you are in the beginnings of the best chapter in your life if you make it so.

I watch closely, observe others, and instead of opening up at 60, they begin slowly closing up like a Japanese fan. But that is not you and me. I know it may be hard to believe, but the best of life is yet to come. . and the best simile I can explain it with is that more and more windows open up and wisdom flows out.

Wisdom you are going to be able to use in so many important ways. You will feel that there is nothing you can not do -- and succeed in. You begin to fully flower -- as you only thought you did before.

Just so you know, I hate the word "retirement" as too often it smacks of sitting on the sofa watching TV and letting life pass you by. Instead of that, for you it will be a new door opening and another chapter beginning. I think of life as series of sidewalk pavements. Most often we are not aware that we have stepped over the line to the next part of life for quite a while -- but as long as we move forward, always LIVING LIFE and being sure you do every single day. No vegetating as usually I equate it with slowing down -- and as I look at my friends who have given up really living --- you never want to do that. It can start early -- and I am so fast at picking it up in others.

I loved the MacDowell Art Colony video and I have followed them and other writers' retreats:

Click here: Residency | Ragdale and that is one of many.

Don't let a day go by that you are not learning as you are hopefully enjoying and growing. I am sure that there are days you wonder -- but all that is you is a part of a larger jigsaw puzzle that will all fit together when you can give your all to every talent you have. In other words, it will pay off. Try to believe me as this is what I have done - always reaching out, always learning - and I find life thrilling, productive, and in my heart of heart, I feel like a woman of worth (without the bragging part).

Jeanne, I am knee deep in Christmas at home --- and I cannot believe that somehow you inspired me and I wrote "a book" to you in the midst of wrapping paper -- but it seemed the right time -- and perhaps bits and pieces can be my Christmas gift to you. I want to say: just wait until you see what is ahead for you! Your own life has just begun -- and it gets better, or so I have found.

I want you to know that if you always are looking at what lies over the next hill in life, I promise that the wonders that still lie ahead will be all you would want and more. I can say it as this is what I discovered --- and still discover for it seems to be never ending.

Much love and those moments of joy and happiness that drop out of the sky and fill our hearts,

Joan

note: Joan is a writer, adventurer and world traveler. Her heart is clearly set on Antarctica..a place she considers to be her second home. With this note, I send my thanks once again to Joan for her wisdom, encouragement and friendship. I am blessed. :) You can meet Joan..here.

For Joan..