Baby steps?

I decided today that I was going to take a much needed break from writing, and life in general to be honest with you.  A lot of stresses have hit me over the past few weeks, and reflection is good for the soul!  And so I’ve decided that I’m going to spend the next few weeks doing just that.

Earlier in the day after making this decision, I found myself thinking back on stories my grandmother use to tell me.

For those who may not know, I’m 1/4 Potawatomi (Native American).  My grandmother who was full blood and lived on a reservation most of her life, was a very wise woman, and died at the age of 97, three years ago.

She played an important part in my life.  For a good number of years, I lived on the reservation with her, and I remember all the stories she used to tell me.  Some were amusing, but some of them were heart breaking and sad.

Life has many stories, and my belief is that our lives write themselves.  Stories penned from paths taken.  When we take a step, are we not compelled to take another?  Each step in the present, immediately becomes a step in the past.  Our lives are much like this, writing itself as we go.  A story being told, formed, and fashioned with every step taken.

Our lives are full of complexities.  In fact, life in itself is quite complex.  But it doesn’t seem so complex when we simply take notice of the steps.

One…. Two…. Three….

It seems much more easier to handle when we reflect on one single step at a time.  The complexity of the things that burden and weigh us down, seem to become so simple.

Now I certainly haven’t mastered this, but I know I certainly wouldn’t mind achieving it either.  Life… just doesn’t seem so complex, when what is all in front you, is a simple step.  One… right after the other.

~ by aristjohn on February 18, 2007.