It's been a rough 18 months for me. There have been major life changes, a lot of hurt and worry, stress, anxiety, and guilt. Maybe I'm beginning to come through on the other side.
I've had to abandon some dreams and recognize false assumptions. And that's really difficult. I can be idealistic at times. Always the optimist, I'm likely to keep giving people chances long after any reasonable person would.
I really want to believe the best of everyone. I want to believe that each person wants to improve and change as much as I do. That everyone is willing and able to work as hard as I have to overcome adversity. Optimism is a great approach to life until it becomes tainted with unrealistic expectations, and then it can lead you down some rabbit trails that will make you dizzy and sick until you acknowledge the need for a new start.
Abandoning unreality is a good thing. I tend to have a negative connotation of the word abandon, but the reality is the word is neither good nor bad. It's all about context. No, I shouldn't abandon my children or those who are truly in need. I will never abandon my faith, and there are friends that I know will never abandon me. But I can't really abandon something that was never there or is no longer there.
I'm changing my perspective on that word (because I'm all about words!) and moving forward in realistic optimism and possibility.
linking up with Five Minute Friday
This is so freeing.... I wanted to write about the beauty of abandonment but just couldn't find the words. But you expressed it exactly! Acknowledging the need for a new start is so hard, but so good.... Thanks for this encouragement!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad this was encouraging for you! Thanks for the comment, as this was a bit difficult to put out there.
DeleteMelanie, I admire your courage. These 18 months have been hard, I know. I went through it years ago. xo
ReplyDeleteLove this! I talked in my post about redeeming Abandon, too! Praying for you, Melanie!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Abandon usually brings to mind a negative connotation, but you are helping us see it in a new light. Yes, there are some things we should abandon while holding on to what is good. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeletePowerful meanderings here Melanie. Keep it up good lady. Found you on Instagram.
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