What You Need to Know When You Come Home from The Lake
Yes, it was real. Even those moments that felt like they were happening to someone else.
Looking at the pictures always helps you believe this.
You really were that brave.
And you were loved for it. So deeply.
Nothing you gave went unnoticed--not one glance or gaze or word or smile.
It wouldn't have been the same without you.
And you aren't the same. So when you are fidgeting in your old life, feel the places where you need to expand.
It's okay to not know what to do next. Laying down is always good for the not-knowing moments.
Remember how you were gentle with yourself, and choose to be gentle again.
Remember how you let yourself be seen, and practice being seen again.
Remember how you were loved, and practice loving yourself the way others loved you--without requirement.
Feel the earth quaking below your feet, and know that a hundred new futures were made. Fate is just adjusting.
Hold what happened there in a sacred place. Build yourself simple reminders.
And when it is time, act boldly, with this lake of creative energy under your feet and this fire of belonging at your back.
If there's anything you learned, it's that you're not alone. Not ever.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 2:02PM | Share Article 18 Comments | Email Article Print Article | Permalink | in Squam Art Workshops
Reader Comments (18)
wonderful message. that last point really hit home, because sometimes, it does feel like it is just you. even if you are in a room full of people.
so true and I left with that you are not alone feeling, trying to hold on to it here back home from the lake..
This is exactly how I've felt when I've returned from SAW. Couldn't make it this year, but I am excited to feel the same way when I return from Squam by the Sea. Thank you for this post. Lovely.
i love how you speak this truth "Feel the earth quaking below your feet, and know that a hundred new futures were made. Fate is just adjusting." that's how i visualize it, after moments that change thing that are still unseen.
i hope to one day come home from the lake. one day, i will.
thanks for this.
thank you for that message...and reminder...love it
Thank you for this post, Jen. Such good reminders I'm going to try to weave into my heart. And most of all, you are so right in writing, "Nothing you gave went unnoticed--not one glance or gaze or word or smile." I appreciated every snippet of time I had with you and every smile from across the room.
I love how as a community we are able to fill ourselves up this way and remind ourselves that we are not alone. There are so many moments that we feel this way. But we have that lake inside of us. Filled with others that are supporting us and ready to hold are hand just when we need it most. I love how when we come together with this community we are inspired, and we nurture one another.
It would not have been the same had you not been there. And you would have not been the same had you not gone. We are such key pieces of each others life when we share ourselves with others. When we open up our hearts and mind and allow ourselves to be seen for exactly who we are.
Soak it all in. Let it all wash over you.
I must go sometime!
AMEN!!!
: ) thanks Jen for being a big part of the lake's magic
Perfect. :)
This is so beautifully said. Thank you Jen.
Lovely. I am holding the energy. :)
this caused the most wistful and sweetest of sighs.
oh yes! magically distilling the lessons down to this beauty...thank you! love*michelle
:) this is a feeling i remember. i sometimes need to delve deep and reach out to find the feeling when i most need it. because for me, it's been so long since i went to and came back from SAW.
thank you though for sharing your experience. your words here could speak for many.
Thank you, Jen. Your words ring so true - yet again.
Big hug,
Lily
you are a very special woman, jen lee.
thank you for being you.
thank you for seeing me.
thank you for this.
your voice resonates so deeply within.
love and blessings.xo
thank you for seeing so much goodness inside every one of us. you have an incredible gift. i hold your words like precious stones that will protect me from hopelessness and more. how good it is to have them. xo