Photo by Kelvin Mulcky
I was sitting on the couch the other night, looking at my hands. Grease was embedded in the ridges and whorls, stuck under my fingernails even after scrubbing, from changing my headlight. And the softest pink yarn was threaded between these fingers, knitting a baby blanket.
I was struck by the contrast in these images. Which then caused me to think about contrasts in my life.
- I was expected to go to college. Yet I gave up that dream to be with the man I loved.
- I was raised to be an independent woman. Yet I married a man and gave away that independence.
- I thought I would be married “til death do us part.” Yet I am divorced.
- I thought I would be further in my career. Yet I have been in a temporary position for 14 months.
- I thought I would own a home. Yet I live in “moderate income housing” where my rent is based on my income.
I am happy and content. Yet, I strive for more.
Such contrasts.
I think that’s a great place to be! When we’re too unhappy, we tend to think less clearly. It’s easier to think of things as choices when we don’t feel we’re in a desperate situation.
I think if you were to ask just about anyone you’d find that they aren’t where they thought they would be either. I made some of the opposite choices in life that you did, and still think that I’ve made the wrong ones.
Congrats on being happy though – it is tough sometimes to find that. =)