Saturday, November 3, 2012

Storytelling Sunday: On Becoming Me

It was a dark and stormy night. Winter, 1980. Walking home from a party. Alone.
Alone was a new concept for me, just recently having broken up with the guy I had dated since starting at University. But alone felt just fine. 
I had taken a flier and said yes when invited to a party by a girl who had been in a few of my classes but who I didn't know well. I went to the party and found it full of friendly folks, including one old acquaintance. I mingled. I drank. I danced. I sang along to Steely Dan's "My Old School" at the top of my lungs. I felt free and light and full of life.  I realized I felt happy. Happy because I could just be myself. Free of expectations, imposed by others, of who I should be. Happy to be on the path to becoming me.
Happy because I knew that, after every storm comes clear open skies. And happy to know that I would be there to greet the new day.
*******************************************************************************
This story is brought to you as part of Sian's Storytelling Sunday. To read more wonderful words, check out this link.

33 comments:

Amy said...

Oooh, I like this Rinda! It's a great lesson to learn, to be happy in yourself and by yourself.

Margi said...

Great lesson Rinda! It took me to 40 to decide that alone is just fine as long as I have me and am comfortable in my own skin. I haven't looked back!

Mary B said...

this sound intriguing as if there is to be a sequel

Missus Wookie said...

Yep, clear skies after stormy weather is a great life lesson - one we both need to be holding onto right now. Hope the storms clear and beautiful skies await.

debs14 said...

What a brilliant story Rinda, and the best lesson any of us can learn - to be happy in our own skin is the best feeling in the world.

Ladkyis said...

Lovely story conjuring pictures of youth and insecurity followed by growth and understanding. Thank you for sharing

furrypig said...

very important life lesson Rinda and a great story xxx

scrappyjacky said...

A great story,Rinda....and love your art journal page.

alexa said...

Very uplifting - and a lovely page too :).

Irene said...

Happy is a great place to be. You have captured the very essence of being who you are; a wonderful piece of journalling.

Sian said...

I love this interpretation of the theme - it's so clever! The song really places it for me and gives it atmosphere and I can just imagine how you still remember this time whenever you hear it. It's a great lesson to teach the kids as they get older too, isn't it?

Thanks Rinda!

Sian said...

I'm back becasue I hit publish and then realised I hadn't told you how much I liked your art today. I'm pinning it to the board right now

Anne said...

Love it Rinda !

Unknown said...

Great, lovely lesson. Happy isn't often a state but a series of moments and all the sweeter when we recognise one as it happens. Brilliant story, I have loved this today.

Miriam said...

Oh this is lovely Rinda and a great lesson learnt.

Alison said...

Acceptance of a situation is good...actually being happy with it is a WONDERFUL feeling!
Alison xx

Susanne said...

I am so glad you shared this. We don't realize often enough how happy we are - even after bumpy times. Great art piece too.

JO SOWERBY said...

I might have to pin this for the next time my Bipolar kicks in. Thank you Maria,
Jo xxx

laurie said...

you took the prompt to such a different and refreshing place! a great page for a treasured memory.

humel said...

Rinda, that's fabulous! I'm loving the art, too xx

Cheri said...

What a lovely story Rinda! And amazing to me that you learned that lesson at such a young age... I think I'm just starting to learn it.

Fiona@staring at the sea said...

A valuable lesson that, sadly, I think some never learn. Loving the journal page x

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

This is such a wonderful story! It's so great to feel good alone in your own skin.

Mel said...

Independance can feel great after a heavy duty relationship and that feeling of just suiting yourself!

Becky said...

A great story - a valuable lesson learned at an early age.

Karen said...

Such an important lesson. It made me wonder if I could pinpoint the exact time it happened for me.

The Mann Fam said...

Great insight. Love the art journaling.

Jane said...

a lesson for everyone.

Scrappi Sandi said...

Love it...a great motto to live by & it is so important to be you & not just a reflection of what others expect you to be! TFS...:D

Irene said...

Dang girl! What were you smoking?, and why didn't you invite me to that party? LOL Just kidding you dear cousin. I love all your stories and this one got me thinking about being happy with who I am.

Unknown said...

That was a beautiful story.

Jimjams said...

Great page for a lovely story with a really good moral. TFS

Melissa said...

What a great memory of a dark & stormy night!