I Know a Woman…

Female broad tailed hummingbird enjoying the lantanas

She is sometimes brave and fearless. Other times, she is scared and vulnerable. She is strong and resilient. She learned these traits from a very young age. She has been through abuse, loss, rejection, betrayal, and many struggles. But she was determined to keep her heart open. To not let what life threw at her cause her to become detached or bitter.

This woman has overcome huge obstacles to achieve goals she had set for herself. Despite feeling so inadequate and overwhelmed at times. She is quite amazing. Unfortunately, she still struggles sometimes to believe that she is. She has been hard on herself for most of her life. Focusing on the flaws and weaknesses which are many. But she is learning how to love herself as much as she loves others. To accept and even embrace all facets of herself. She has come to realize just how beautifully she was created.

This woman I know loves making memories with those she loves. She has always loved animals, especially horses. She rode a lot in her younger years. She enjoys being in nature as it refreshes, grounds, and replenishes her. She loves music - the way it makes her feel and how it can evoke a memory. Being in or around water soothes her soul. She loves traveling and exploring new places.

There are a lot of things that bring her joy. Like watching her great granddaughter play, run, and laugh with such joy. How she expresses all her thoughts and feelings completely and openly. She aspires to be more like that again. The childlike openness, wonder and spontaneity. Mostly, what puts joy in her heart is the simple moments with family and friends – laughing, reminiscing, and making memories. Loving on each other. Just being in the moment.

This woman has been through the most difficult year of her life. Moments of physical, mental, and emotional despair. She was a hot mess at times. Again, she determined to keep her heart open. To let the pain crack her heart and soul open in order to let more love in and more love out. She had learned what it really means to have faith and hope. To better see the beauty and wonder in moments and things that can be easily overlooked.

She has always had a heart of gratitude. Now, she has so much more to be grateful for!

You have guessed by now that woman is me. I wrote this from a prompt in The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad. Now make it your prompt!

Write about yourself as if you are writing about a stranger. Describe whom you see. What is this person like? What do they enjoy? What are their strengths and weaknesses? What makes them laugh or cry? What make them happiest? What are their hopes and dreams? Let your imagination run wild.

Male broad tailed hummingbird