Thursday, December 3, 2015

Small Victories


Life isn't always about the big things, sometimes, depending on where we are on our journey, it is the small things, the small victories, that give us joy, and in some cases, makes us feel empowered. This transition I am moving through has been tough, and noticing the small things has helped immensely. Over the last few weeks as I take on looking after this homestead on my own, I have had many small victories that have empowered me, and had me looking for high fives. Here are a few:

~ I have sold 8, yes 8, dozen eggs...thank you chickens!

~ I have disposed of my first dead mouse, always Justin's job, but now mine, and it wasn't so bad

~ all the animals in my care, one dog, one cat, and sixteen chickens, are all still alive, and thriving

~ the internet went down, and I fixed it

~ the garbage and recycling are making it out on time, three weeks and counting

~ I have sold four rope baskets, and a lot of self care and herbal products

~ knitting commissions have been rolling in...and yes they are all due for Christmas

~ I did a solo (with Reece) IKEA trip to buy new furniture, and it was delivered yesterday...now I just have to put it all together

~ I have hosted friends for lunches and dinners, and hosted another handmade/homemade swap party, all in my home

~ I have made it through the first three weeks of being a single mama, something I never thought I would have to do, but I am doing it, and yes it is hard, but it is also pretty darn amazing

Not bad I would say. And yes, if you feel like sending a high five my way, please do, I will gladly accept it. The biggest victory in all of this, my connection with Reece is stronger than ever. We are riding through this transition together, growing stronger as a team each day. I have to admit having a lot of anxiety over how Reece would handle all of this, but he has been amazing, and together, he and I, are finding our way in this new normal, and enjoying it. We are strong, the two of us, and we are going to be even stronger on the other side of this.

Another big victory for me, in the personal area, has been the realization that the dreams I shared with Justin, are still my dreams. At first, I was lost, thinking I had to create a whole new future, new dreams and so on, but I don't. You see, living slowly, simply and mindfully, close to Mother Nature and her seasons, homesteading on this piece of land I call home, and homeschooling my little man is still the path I want to walk. Justin leaving doesn't change that. And with that realization I have been able to set new goals for myself, think about the future a little more clearly, and I feel confident moving forward on my path. With Reece by my side, we will move ahead, one step at a time, towards our dreams for this little life we lead. It won't always be pretty, and it won't always be easy, but that's okay, because that's life. All the beautiful and messy parts combined create a life, and I will take them all and make the best of it.

61 comments:

  1. I admire the way you handle it all Here is my high 5 :0)

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  2. Sending you lots and lots of high five's!! Sounds like you and Reece are doing well and I am sure the support of friends and family is a huge bonus. Good luck on all your endeavors!!

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    1. Thanks Anke! Reece and I are doing very well, and yes, so much love and support from family and friends. So very grateful for all of them, near and far.

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  3. I'm proud of you, Kim. It sounds like you're handling this change with grace and composure. I'm sure Reece feels that from you and it will help him feel peace too. You've done a lot by yourself already! I'm sure this is just the beginning of a strong, independent life and you will both do beautifully.

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    1. Aw, thank you Jennifer, for your vote of confidence, and your very sweet and kind words. I appreciate them. xo

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  4. "You can't keep a good woman down."

    It's funny, lately I've been taking on more of "John's tasks" at home. I realized that somehow we'd fallen into some fairly stereotypical roles, and while that doesn't bother me much, I'll admit I was not doing things that were intimidating because I didn't have to. I've gained confidence taking some of them on! Through all of it it occurred to me that I've accomplished everything I set out to do, even if it was a messy journey!

    It brings me joy to hear that you are realizing that you are still connected to your dreams, and that Reece is doing well as you find your new way together. xo

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    1. Ha! Yes, thank you for that my friend. I like it!

      I totally get that, after twenty years we did fall into our roles perfectly, and if this change hadn't happened I would never be doing some of the things I am doing. It feels good to accomplish tasks, and in a lot of ways it is very empowering.

      Thank you my friend. I have done a lot of soul searching these last few weeks, I still have some digging to do, but I feel good about where I am, and where I am headed. xo

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  5. Huge High Fives to you! I remember being where you are some years ago and it is such an amazing feeling when you realize you can do this, and do it well, all by yourself!

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    1. Thanks Diane! It is totally amazing, and feels so good!

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  6. Congratulations! You'll discover how strong, capable and independent you are. Life is hard sometimes, but that's okay. :)

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    1. Thank you Lisa. Totally okay, as long as we keep on going :)

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  7. Sending you a huge high five (and hug) for all those small victories. Onwards and upwards!!!
    Happy knitting.

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  8. Honestly, I'm sending you a high 10 and double fist-bumps! You are doing amazingly... I never doubted for a second that you would find the strentgh needed to weather this storm. xox

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    1. Aw, thank you my friend, soon you can give me that high 10 in person :) I can't wait!

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  9. Biggest of high fives to you Kim! And also a whole lotta love! ☺ You are one amazing woman and mother! Here if you need anything!

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    1. Thanks Tiffany. Yes, my parents are back now, so hopefully I will get a few hours, sometime soon, to myself, and we can chat. Looking forward to it.

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  10. What a resilient woman you are, Kim. (I think you deserve more than just a high five, but I'm sending several e-fives your way!) xo

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    1. Aw, thank you my friend. Much appreciated. xo

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  11. it is with emotion that I read your words ... Congratulations my friend, it's a great real life you offer to Reece and yourself, you can be proud! I have you in my heart and wish you the best... xo

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    1. Oh Chantall, I feel like you and I are kindred spirits my friend. I know we only just "met" a short time ago, but goodness so much of what you write and share resonates with me. Thank you for stopping by, for sharing in my journey, and for your very kind and sweet words. xo

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  12. I am high fiving you, this is fabulous. I think you are amazing, you haven't crumpled under the weight of what lies ahead but embraced it fully, those smalls things all add up. I am sure you have had times when you wonder where you are going and how on earth you are going to do that alone. I am so happy for you and Reece.

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    1. Thank you!!!! I am trying to embrace it as best as I can. Not every day is easy, but I can always find some good at the end of each day.

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  13. YES! I am sending you a high five milady!! Go go go you and I feel that everyone should be strong and centered in their goals with or without a significant other. I will continue to say, you teach your son volumes in what you do not say. Your actions are screaming self reliance, bravery, confidence and dealing with disappointment. He sees you struggle, create, survive, smile, laugh and rejoice. I am happy for you. I continue to be saddened by this sudden thrust of events but I know you happiness follows you and leads you.

    hope the money keeps rolling in. and less mice die, and ikea instructions have pictures so you don't even have to read :)

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    1. Aw Karen, you are making me cry. Thank you for your beautiful words. There have been many times I have thought about the long term consequences for Reece in all of this, and I do hope the way we live, and the way in which we have moved through this transition helps ease the path that lies ahead for him.

      Ha, I sure hope those things too :)

      xo

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  14. HIGH FIVE! Those are all huge! And I love that you are sharing them here so we can high five you! You and Reece are an awesome team and I'm sure that he will thrive being part of these milestones with you. Keep sharing these with us! <3

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    1. Thank you my friend. We are a great team, and every day I learn this more and more. xo

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  15. High five, you go girl...you inspire me so!

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  16. I am proud of you!Sending you lots and lots of high five's!!

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  17. Oh Kim, that's just you, your force and your mindfulness, and that is so wonderful. You're driving that life with so much beautiful things in it, transforming events in beauty... I'm so proud to be one of your e-friends :)

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    1. Oh Sandra, thank you so much for your very kind and sweet words. You have made me smile this evening. I am so happy that our paths have crossed, and so very happy to call you friend. xo

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  18. High five! Did this myself several years ago and while hard, you realize strength you never knew was there. It will get better and your victories will be bigger. Life is funny and makes us go through difficult trials before it rewards with wisdom. From one Kim to another; just keep moving.

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    1. Thank you for this. It feels good to hear from others who have gone through this, who are making it, and have an understanding of how it feels. I have no idea what the future holds for my little man and I, but making it to this point feels pretty darn good, and I know things can only get better from here.

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  19. A BIG HIGH FIVE all the way from Victoria !!! I got your letter yesterday but will open it today when I'm nestled in my favourite coffee shop. So happy to read you and Reece are going forward with your dreams, xoxo

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    1. Thanks Erica!!! Happy to hear the letter arrived, and I hope you enjoyed reading it with a cup of tea/coffee :)

      We are moving forward, and goodness it feels good. xo

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  20. High fiving and big hugs to you and to Reece. You are amazing Kim and as I read each line I smiled bigger and bigger, you've got this!
    Much love!

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    1. Aw, thank you Tracey. I am riding a high right now, and it feels good. I want to remember this feeling for those days when I am feeling a little low.

      xo

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  21. A double high five from us...it is great you are patting yourself on the back for a job well done. Keep going!

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  22. Definitely a high five from over here - particularly for the internet! Mice and rubbish, no problem, but internet down and I'd be stuck (although Sam or Theo would sort me out, especially as they'd both miss it far more than me!). I'm so glad you're settling back into your dreams, you couldn't be more right, just because someone else steps off and out into a crazy, frantic world of materialism doesn't mean that what you hold dear and what you know to be the key to your happiness has changed. And hopefully being able to stay in your home with your garden, your plants, your animals and all the well trodden nature trails around you will keep you and Reece centred through this coming year. I'm sure the rhythm that is so important to you both will still beat its way through to you there even though it's now only two of you hearing it XXX

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    1. Thank you Sally! I thought I'd be stuck too, but I did it. And it felt pretty darn good. Yes, making the decision to stay here was the best one, for Reece, and for me. Both of us are tied to this land and our life here, and it feels right to be staying.

      Big hugs Sally, for your sweet words. xoxoxo

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  23. So much love to send your way. You are a strong and amazing woman and have created a safe and flourishing environment for your most precious gift, your son. Thinking of you often. xx

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  24. A huge high five from me to you xxxx

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  25. a high five from us as well. As with all things your grace and light shine through. Be well my friend.

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  26. High fives for both of you from all of us. They may be little things but when life rocks the boat sometimes just standing upright is a lot harder than it used to be. And I'm glad that your dreams aren't gone, you are making your vision a reality and it's lovely to see :)

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    1. Thanks Carie! You are so right my friend. Marking these little things, reminding myself of the small victories, each day helps so much as I move forward.

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  27. You go girl! I am so proud of you and love all those small victories! Big hugs and many high fives for you, dear friend! xo

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  28. How about a high ten!! You know I think you are rock star. :) You are lioness.

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  29. Super huge high-5 to you, my dear. You are in my thoughts all of the time. Wish we could be closer while we are on these parallel journeys.......

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    1. Thank you!!! It means a lot coming from you, you totally understand where I am coming from :) I wish that too Taryn, it would be so nice to share a cup of tea with you, and chat an afternoon away. One day, maybe...

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  30. Kim, this makes me very happy to read. I totally get celebrating the small victories. So glad you're both doing well through this transition.

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