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Wendi Matt's avatar

This is a beautiful post & a question I think of often. What I seem to come up with for myself is that in the darkness, I learn to accept myself exactly as I am & I learn bout grace. In doing that, I feel those things for others. Darkness keeps me open minded to the struggle of others. It’s what keeps me willing to help others and it helps me stay close to a higher power. I have spent much of my life running from pain & discomfort, but when I allow it to be there, even if briefly, I slow down & become more intentional.

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Jackie Knapp's avatar

I love this, Wendi! Yes to it making me more aware of others and their pain and wanting to help. Thanks for your reflections.

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Kay Knapp's avatar

I think that Beth Kaeb plants night blooming flowers. You should ask her about them 😊

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Jackie Knapp's avatar

ooh! I need to ask her about it!

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Mick Silva's avatar

You’re my favorite kind of nerd—books and beautiful botany! You’re also reminding me of Bittersweet, Susan Cain’s lovely elegy to this ache for what blooms in darkness. Thanks for the encouragement to risk being purple and precious at times.

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Jackie Knapp's avatar

It is an HONOR to be your favorite kind of nerd. Yes, feel like this is right up Susan's alley. When do we get to hang out with her and cry and laugh??

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The Heart Pages's avatar

Love the "bright sadness" ... at the end of December I had surgery, and in the first few day and weeks I was struggling with a grief of what was, as well as trying to learn more from the lessons of patience. In the end, I found staring out the window as my gift each day. What was I pondering? And, thankful for in this very moment? Staying in just the "one day at a time." I ended up writing a whole mini series of poems called, "out the window".. which helped me through the many weeks of recovery. 💛

@the_heart_pages

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Jackie Knapp's avatar

Love this, Heidi. What a way to make something beautiful from a difficult time. Are the poems anywhere public? Would love to read if so.

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The Heart Pages's avatar

It's the most recent posts about 24 total - that are set in rectangles.

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The Heart Pages's avatar

Yes, I have an IG account.

@the_heart_pages

💛

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