While looking for some inspiration to write this morning, as I sip on my tea and tearfully reflect on 2014, I came across this quote and thought I’d share. . .
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
― Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Often, when I am at a loss for finding my own words, I turn to favorite writers for inspiration. Their years of wisdom and creativity offer shelter and give my own wavering voice strength as I read them. This quote from Dr. Angelou’s debut memoir ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ and reading the poem gave me strength today.
If there is one thing that 2014 taught me it is that there is no right or wrong way to be a survivor. Trying to consistently and cheerfully write about social media, DIY projects or recipes has been difficult due to a tragic mix of sadness and anger. Losing a parent, regardless of the relationship, is devastating.
Finding your words in the wake of death, devastation or change can be agonizing. Trust me, I know. It hasn’t been easy dealing with private family matters and also dealing with opportunistic and intentional cruelty. . . but I hope that what I’ve decided to share in the coming months helps you in some way. I will continue to write about what inspires, motivates or irks me, but I will also work on sharing more thoughtfully without worry of like counts or retweets.
We each have our own story to share that is full of joy, fear, pain, plot twists, villains and heroes. Even though I have not yet been able to find or share my own words as easily as I had hoped – I am relieved that Pat Conroy has given voice to some of my pain in his memoir ‘The Death of Santini‘. Mr. Conroy has also given me hope of finding and offering forgiveness.
