Another day to flip the script
A friend reminded me the other day that we always have the ability to begin again, and so this morning was my renewed expression of flipping the script. As Tin drew trains in beautiful detail and color on his drawing paper, I kept Stella in her kennel after the third paper towel was stolen and chewed to smithereens [sometimes it IS us and them], and began to organize my work day to encourage fruition instead of frustration. This is my own best mantra – try again – and the best parenting tool I have found, “Would you like to try again?” It helps all of us who are so vulnerable to concrete posturing to be kinder to ourselves. It offers us a chance to get it right the next time.
Da Capo
Take the used-up heart like a pebble
and throw it far out.Soon there is nothing left.
Soon the last ripple exhausts itself
in the weeds.Returning home, slice carrots, onions, celery.
Glaze them in oil before adding
the lentils, water, and herbs.Then the roasted chestnuts, a little pepper, the salt.
Finish with goat cheese and parsley. Eat.You may do this, I tell you, it is permitted.
Begin again the story of your life.— Jane Hirshfield
(from The Lives of the Heart by Jane Hirshfield)