I’ve started inviting myself into life.
I must admit, trying new things is sometimes scary. I have invited myself to achieve my goal of health and wellness. I feel more deserving, and putting myself first makes me feel more graceful, my true self. My husband has observed a calmer Catherine, and this has strengthened our relationship. I am slowly, sometimes with trepidation, stating what pleases me, inviting his help, asking him to massage my feet, my back; inviting him to sit with me on the couch; asking for what makes me happy. He’s thrilled that I am inviting him in! I had forgotten what a wonderful man I had married! I feel so married!
I find that instead of saying something critical, I try to find something positive amid the negative, the confusion, and the sadness life can bring. It sure makes for a far lovelier life and marriage. I feel that my authentic self is emerging at the age of fifty-four—clearly never too late! Graceful Invitation will be a lifelong journey for me.
photo flickr Reid
Catherine, your style statement really affected me…at 58 I, too, feel like I am coming into my own…a calmer, more serene, more accepting person of who I am, of who I want to be, of others. I, too, have rediscovered the wonderful man I married and it’s amazing how behaving differently, reacting more gently, loving more can do for a marriage. You are most certainly correct…it is never too late…in fact I think it is better to have discovered the real me at this time in my life as I am more accepting and open to her!