To move forward, one sometimes needs to let go of the past. That is easier said than done. My divorce was final March 30th, but I think somewhere in the back of my mind I truly hoped that maybe someday we could reconcile. Feelings can’t just be turned off and we did have so many good memories, or at least I thought we did.
Last week I finally realized that there is no going back. I have to move forward, feel all the feelings and then let them go.
One of the things I had a difficult time letting go of was the dried wedding bouquet from our Key West beach wedding. It was such a wonderful day and will always hold a special place in my heart.
I realized, though, that I have to let it go.
One of the wonderful things I gained with the new/old house is a lovely lilac bush that is in full bloom right now.
After taking a different vase filled with these scented beauties up to the hospital for my Dad who suffered a heart attack last Monday, I decided I could benefit from a vase of my own in the house. Somehow I didn’t have a vase to hold them. I spied the vase that held my dried bouquet and realized that the moment had come to let it go. (Dad is doing fine after getting a stent put in, by the way!! ❤😊❤)
I disposed of my bouquet and gathered a large group of lilacs and filled the vase.
One of the things I’ve done for myself lately is to take a watercolor class with my nephew. The last class was yesterday, but I want to continue practicing and (hopefully) improving my skills. I did a painting that I titled “Moving On”. I plan to put it in a frame and to hang it on my wall. It is my message to myself that life goes on and that I will be okay.
It may not be today or tomorrow or even a month from now, but one day I know I will wake up in the morning with more hope than regret. Until then, I will keep doing things that bring me closer to that day! These are a few of my favorite things:
Watching the backyard birds always makes me happy 
I love to create my little zentangles and to give them away 
My “puppy” Romeo 
Movie popcorn is the best and with my popcorn machine I always have plenty to share 
My flowers bring me joy and give me something to look forward to 
I’m starting to get the hang of watercolor painting. I painted this one last night.
picturingpositive 
Yor flowers are beautiful. It’s good you’re doing some fun things during this transition phase. I bet taking the watercolor course with your nephew was a blast.
Thank you! The class was definitely a lot of fun! Watercolors are great for teaching flexibility because they often have a mind of their own 😄 Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
I love this story Beth- big hug and love to you. You are a beautiful person with such a large heart. Glad you found a perfect way to start to move forward.
Thank you so very much, Candace! You are a stellar role model for me and I am grateful for your friendship! 😊 As one of my favorite quotes by C.S. Lewis says, ‘There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” 😊
Love these images and your writing.
Thank you so very much! I appreciate you visiting and taking the time to comment!! ❤
It’s significant that you replaced the bouquet with the lilacs and I’m proud of you. I’m sorry to hear about your Dad. But I love that you’re painting and finding joy again. Slowly, but surely we all heal. Good for you! I’m so happy we’ve found each other’s blogs!
Thank you Janie! It was a huge step for me to finally let the bouquet go. I’m so happy we found each other’s blogs too! Your insights are spot on and your writing really resonates with me! 🙂
Thank you so much Beth. I feel the same way about you! 🙂