Even when my smallest part is whining I cannot give up!

 

Look at those kids! You can tell that giving up is just not an option for them! Once again I am turning to children for my inspiration. When my five year old wants something it is really very difficult to deter her. “Why mom?” or “Why can’t we try this?” flank my every turn if she wants to start that art project, 10 minutes before dinner or just as we are trying to leave the house. “How about if I just do it for two minutes and then bring the rest in the car? How about if we leave later? I can eat while I color!” Options upon options… sheer RESOLVE to have what she wants. Unless I give a definitive no, and sometimes even when I do, that girl will NOT give up.

I find it exasperating at times however part of me is really very proud. I don’t want her to give up on the things that are important to her. How many of us have done this? How many dreams have you let slip away?

January finds her inspiration in children too:

 

Resolve

by January Handl

I watch the babe in my arms
seemingly suddenly,
after months of practice
vocalizing,
crying, gurgling and cooing,
waving, arms, kicking legs,
eyes searching to connect,
just now, clearly
letting me know what he needs

I watch the 11-month-old child
pull herself up, over and over,
quaking legs,
slipping grip,
gravity is a mystery
and she falls once again,
then take her first step

I watch the toddler
trying to master the scissors,
clumsy digits still resisting
the mind’s impulse toward control,
intention thwarted
frustration growing
as synapses are slowly building
toward grace,
that becomes expected

I watch the 6 year old’s eyes
and thoughts
strain and struggle
toward understanding the
magical stories that are somehow
cryptic splashes of ink on page,
bewildered at the adult’s
seemingly effortless
symbol de-coding

I watch myself,
and now, even when my 
smallest part is
whining, or complaining,
yearning toward running for cover,
or at least resting in a comfort zone
that inevitably grows too small.
and I cannot give up
I cannot give up
I will not give up
on seeking
the best me I can offer
this world.

This week our topic is RESOLVE and our Bliss Initiative is step boldly out of our comfort zones and not give up.

What part of YOU is waiting to be stretched?

What dream is calling you to step forward?

This week lets muster RESOLVE and see where it can take us!

Share your RESOLVE in the comments below!

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Tamara and January are here each Monday to help set the mood for the week!

Tamara Magnitsky

Tamara Magnitsky, a child of the wild blue yonder,
has been an ardent student and advocate for poetry, photography and excellence in general.
She is the mother of a 6 year old daughter and a beloved wife.
She can be found most days.

Bio written by Cary Brosius ~Tamara’s husband  🙂

 

January Handl

January Handl is first and always a mother, has been a preschool teacher and parent educator for 25 years. She is currently the Director/head teacher at Gazebo Park School, and lives at Esalen Institute in Big Sur. She lives simply in awe of existence.

She calls her photo “hot tub bliss”  🙂