Sep 14, 2010

still, life
































Life gets to be so crazy sometimes.

It can be overwhelming. Sometimes you just have too much on your plate. And we all know how hard it is to keep from eating what is right there in front of you.

I live a deadline-oriented life. There is always something that has to be done by a certain time, that time known as the "drop-dead" deadline in the graphics industry. So aptly named, because it means you have to wear yourself out to get there. And then you will drop from exhaustion.

So I go through these periods of craziness, when I barely have time to sit down or rest or think about anything other than the task at hand. But here's what gets me through: a tiny little place in my heart that I keep still. Steady. Silent. Sane.

That is my place. No one else, nothing else, is allowed in there but me. Some days, I never actually get to visit this oasis, but just knowing that it is there can get me through. Knowing that tomorrow, or the next day, or all the way into next week, it will be there, waiting for me when I am ready.

A place where I can sit, alone with my thoughts and my words and my feelings. A quiet place, quiet even when the world is roaring in my ears. I grow in this place, stretch my roots further down. I ground myself there, in the stillness, hoarding bits of peace.

Then, on the days when just one more crazy gust of the wind that is life threatens to carry me away, I hold onto the knowledge that I am tethered, to this place, this hidden spot.

It gives me something to grasp when it feels like everything is about to get away from me, much like a smooth, worn pebble.

It gives me a place to come home to, always.

In my heart, it is there.

Still.

19 comments:

ELK said...

you have written of a place so needed in life ... and the the photo drops and all . such poetry

Kim Klassen said...

oh Kelly
what a perfect description of a most treasured space and place... i know this place you speak of so well. It's my sanity, my refuge... my everything, really....... so beautiful. thank you ...yet again...

xxo, kim

Suki said...

Beautiful place. My oasis is filled with laughter and happiness.
And just when the time appears that I am overwhelmed I play my favourite music and dance ridicoulus dance and sing to myself. always helps :)

Leah C said...

You really have a way with words...beautiful post:)

skye said...

Beautifully expressed. And we all work with the continuing skill of carrying that quiet, still space WITH US during all those "daedline times". Here's to us!

Faith said...

Yes, I have this place too, hidden, quiet, still, and so precious! The way you describe it is so right, so true. It is a great source of strength for me. I'm a new visitor here, came by from Lori's sweet blog and now I'm following you. What an inspiring place you've created, a little internet oasis! xo

d smith kaich jones said...

I had lost this place, and oddly enough (or not - the blogosphere works in magic, wonderful ways) decided just this very morning that I will no longer impose deadlines on myself. I can't control the deadlines in my workaday life - they bees what they be - but I can control the deadlines I put on my for-me painting & writing. I was gonna save it for New Year's, but this morning decided New Year was here - almost posted this resolution as my FB status. I think I will now that I've read this & feel even more resolute about it all. Your post was the thumbs up I needed - I am finding my way back to that spot you describe so beautifully.

xoxo
Debi

Jennie said...

I appreciate this post today. Very comforting :)

Yoga helps me find this place, but I need to find it more often.

blue elephant photography said...

i can relate to this post. i have deadlines every single day. work is too crazy sometimes for me but at the end of the day, i go home to a loving husband and i find myself and my heart rested in him =)

Kathryn Dyche said...

What a beautiful post, made me feel quite emotonal.

Marcie said...

Amazing - isn't it? - when that place of complete peace can be found within? There's no place like home...and home is carried forever inside us.
Beautifully written..as always!

Sally G. said...

That happens to be my very favourite place - the still, quiet, sanctity of silence. It's where I've rooted Inspiration, Compassion and the magical way I choose to see the world. I love it there. You've described it so beautifully ...

jacqueline said...

Dearest Kim, your words are beautiful and very comforting. It's my first time visiting and i really adore your space here! Truely inspiring! Have alovely merry happy day and love to you!

rachel awes said...

oh yes,
the still place
in your very
worn pebble
soft heart
center...
i am with you
in such
treasured ground.
heartilly, xo.

Monica said...

oh we all need such a place. a sanctuary. lovely.

Stephanie Amos said...

Kelly, reading your words is like reading poetry. so beautiful. i wanted to stop by and thank you for taking part in my 1st blog giveaway. i look forward to following your blog!
~samos

dbalyoz said...

what a beautiful place! what a beautiful post...almost a meditation in itself. I need to find my still... :)

dbalyoz said...

what a beautiful place! what a beautiful post...almost a meditation in itself. I need to find my still... :)

Lisa Gordon said...

A truly beautiful post Kelly.