the longest day

It's the solstice and the longest day of the year. Always slightly bittersweet for me as it marks the beginning of summer, and just a little less light everyday. 

And while I had grand plans for a beach bonfire on this day, I'm not feeling it, so Sas' questions for this summer solstice are perfectly timed.

One: Did you have a word for this year? How has it manifested itself? If you didn’t have a word, what is the theme that has played out in your life so far this year?

My word this year is ease. It felt right when I heard it last September on my birthday, and while the intention was ease with myself, I didn't, (as it usually goes), anticipate the ways it has appeared. Ease has been accepting and embracing my life as it is now. Not what it was, or who I was, not defined by what I do, or its title, and especially without being driven by goals. 

That's not to say I don't have things I'd like to accomplish, or that I'm not ambitious, but there isn't this big thing I'm working towards. Rather, I feel like the turtle, just doing my thing, slowly, steadily...nothing to see here.

Two: What are you most proud of?

I'm quite proud of being able to feel good about where I am. That's not to say that I'm PollyfuckingAnna, but I am ok with the dark and the light; I know that my life is truly and ebb and flow and that the lows will pass. (Thank the fucking stars for that self awareness.Truly.)

Three: What have you chosen to let go of? 

Carrying the guiltsorrowpain for others. I have enough of my own to carry, and the truth of the matter is, even if I could carry the burden, my oxen strength isn't enough and can never be enough. The thing I've learned is that I no longer want it to be. 

Four: What has been your greatest joy or surprise?

Five: What book, movie, exhibition, tv programme, play, concert, article, photograph, or website has been your favourite find? 

I've started watching shows that everyone has been watching for seasons, (typical me), including: Game of Thrones and Homeland. 

I've been reading the Game of Throne series, and having a visual to go with the books is pretty fantastic. I'm far enough ahead that it isn't spoiling the story, and if you watch, you know the names of the characters aren't common. Hearing them pronounced has helped with the novel tremendously, and sound much better than what I was saying in my head.

Six: What three things do you want for yourself by the next Solstice – 21st December 2013?

Happy. Healthy. Vulnerable and soft. Gentle and Resilient.