what would I choose to be?
This was a recent art journaling prompt.
No deep thought – no debate (should I be this flower? that flower?) – I knew the answer – I would be a daisy.
Not the flashiest flower in the garden – nor my favorite. Not a choice, really, it just feels right.
And as I am mindful of what feels right, I understand that, for me, the question isn’t really “what flower?”, but “why?”
The daisy’s beauty lies in its simplicity – the joy of daisy chains – the cheerful yellow and white of wild daisies picked by the roadside, filling a vase. Daisies make me smile. In the language of flowers, the daisy has many meanings, but did you know they also symbolize new beginnings? Neither did I, but that feels right, too.
Walking through the room as I work on my art journal page, Greg comments – “that looks pretty”
Me: Really? because I feel like it’s a bit of a mess. But then, I think it’s supposed to be?
Greg: That’s probably why it’s pretty – you’re out of your comfort zone.
Hmmmm – indeed…
Only four more weeks of back-and-forth to Boston – and yes, the countdown has begun!
And while summers are usually a bit more relaxed in my office, it seems that there is a lot going on, this year. I watch as everyone scurries about, reacting to “what” is happening; as always, I am much more interested in “why”. Is anyone asking “why?” But then, I allow myself (remind myself) to sit back and watch, realizing it’s okay to just shrug my shoulders – not my problem… This is a bit out of my comfort zone, too – and yet… smile…
This all reminds me of a quote I often see online by Neale Donald Walsch – “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Yeah… we’ll see… I suspect I will be out of my comfort zone quite a bit in the weeks ahead – so far… it seems okay – it feels right.
And now – I’d love to hear from you. How is your summer going? Have you been stepping outside your comfort zone?
5 responses to “If I were a flower”
Waiting in line at the grocery store seems a good time to read this. I hate busy grocery stores. I hate waiting in line, but this year I am learning to not be in a hurry, be patient. I can’t control it, so best to watch and let go of any stress.
Daisies do make me so happy when I see them. Beside the road, in my garden, or on our morning walk. Reading your blog posts and seeing your photos always makes me happy too.
summer has been quite awesome!! some work, mostly play…lot’s of photo ops!! we have had fun family parties and lots of swimming in the pool…and this year, we are actually swimming!! i would be a lilac, my favorite since childhood!!!
Our summer has been a busy one with yet another lengthy road trip that was completed at the start of July. Then came a family wedding in CT, my husband’s birthday and our oldest granddaughter’s birthday. I have been thinking about a blog break in August because as much as I enjoy sharing, reading comments and reading other blogs, I am becoming somewhat selfish in wanting more “me” time. I have several unfinished projects and it would be nice to complete at least one. But then, our anniversary is in August and that could mean another trip of some sort. I liked both the photo of daisies and your art journal interpretation. Yeah too on only a few more weeks of work and commuting. Retirement is the “best” non-job and we both highly recommend it.
The daisy is a sweet flower, so happy and very low maintenance. I like how it can brighten up a dark corner. They are spreading in my front garden and look like a river of flowers – I love it.
My summer had been really nice so far – leaving my comfort zone was actually a goal I wanted to accomplish during my summer break and I did. It feels very good and gave me a very needed boost of confidence.
I see you wrote this a month ago so I’m really excited about where your life is at present! It’s fun to read forward and see how life is unfolding for you, Karen. I have so many Shasta Daisies this summer – when they go to seed, I harvest some and spread them around. I like seeing their white heads sway in the mountain breeze. I think I’d want to be a Poppy – the ordinary Icelandic Poppy but in a bright red (my favorite color). I’d be much more flamboyant than I actually am!