Right Here in the Waiting

MHN, Morgan Harper Nichols, right here in the waiting, elaina avalos

There is a life
to be lived
right here in the
waiting.
Morgan Harper Nichols

Morgan Harper Nichols is one of my favorite artists. You can see her artwork at the link above (or on her social media accounts). I haven’t shared a “Monday Motivation” post in a bit. This one is a little different than others I’ve shared. Mostly because it usually feels like there’s not much life to be lived when we’re in a holding pattern. When our plans are stalled, when we know we’re waiting, it can be demoralizing. When we want to act and do – when we want to move forward, but we’re held in place – it sucks.

But there is wisdom in what Morgan Harper Nichols writes here. While we may be waiting for that thing – whatever it is – it doesn’t mean that life isn’t beautiful in the midst of the waiting. It doesn’t mean that there isn’t opportunity where we are to live fully in each moment, though we know there’s something great out there we still hope for.

“Right here in the waiting” we have every opportunity to take advantage of each moment as it comes. While slightly off topic, I think my current living situation is a good example. I have a townhouse that isn’t what I’d like to live in long term. It’s small in the areas I most need space (like the kitchen). It doesn’t have a fenced yard – which I’d love to have for my dog. I could go on, but you get my point.

But what it does have, is quiet, a wooded view, and it’s a roof over my head. I am enjoying my home as best I can now. I’m going to decorate, settle in, and function as if I will be here forever because my home is my sanctuary. While I wait for what I really want, I’ll make the most of the here and now.

Don’t lose time (you can never get back) because you’re so focused on what isn’t.

Change of Seasons

autumn leaves, change in seasons, seasons change, yellow leaves, eastern north carolina, elaina avalos

Yesterday, I was out on my patio watering my plants. I swear I didn’t see this much yellow (there was no red) in the jungly vines in the woods. The heat & humidity are with us & probably will be all month (maybe into October), but there are little signs the seasons are changing. As I started to write this, a stray rainstorm blew in and yellow leaves fell to the ground. It really feels like autumn is on the way, now.

autumn leaves, red leaves, change in seasons, seasons change, yellow leaves, eastern north carolina, elaina avalos

I always find some renewed hope when the seasons change. There’s not a lot externally that’s changed for me, though change is what I long for. I long for a new place, new people, new relationships and opportunities. I’m waiting for my greatest dream. Usually, when I want something new I just go do it. I go get it. I make the move. I make the change.

For the first time in ages, I feel the pull toward the change, but know my change of seasons isn’t quite upon me yet. There were a couple moments this weekend when that made me uncomfortable. I like change and when I’m ready, I’m ready. It goes against every instinct in me to remain in the same place.

autumn leaves, change in seasons, seasons change, yellow leaves, eastern north carolina, elaina avalos

But something is keeping me grounded. Which tells me God is actually at work here. And while I may never understand the reason, I know the timing is off for the change I so long for.

So, if you, like me – are longing for change but it eludes you so far – maybe stop to soak in the change in the seasons. Let nature’s shifting & changing be enough right now (as hard as that may be).

As I enjoy one last day off on this holiday weekend, I wanted to say that I hope you will find the moments to enjoy what each season brings with it – even when it feels uncomfortable.

Pretty flower photos, from my patio, for no reason…

See Reality As It Is

acceptance Thích Nhất Hạnh, Thích Nhất Hạnh, elaina avalos, radical acceptance

“To think in terms of either pessimism or optimism oversimplifies the truth.
The problem is to see reality as it is.”
~Thích Nhất Hạnh

After a long journey through loss and grief and dreams delayed, I stumbled onto something unexpected – acceptance. I’m not going to say I don’t have moments of doubt, but I am saying that there is a great deal of freedom that comes with accepting the situation as it is. And frankly, that acceptance is super motivating in other ways.

Here’s to a great Monday & week!

Never Give Up

harriett beecher stowe, never give up, elaina avalos, ali kazal images
Photo used in image, by: Ali Kazal

Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. – Harriet Beecher Stowe

It’s Monday. If you’ve been around here a while, you know it’s not my favorite day of the week. By the time this post publishes, I’ll be getting ready for work. This is my reminder, heading into a new week – that I can’t give up. And neither can you. Keep pushing, friends.

What Comes Next?

“I hope
you can find
peace
while
breathing
deep
without
knowing
what
comes
next.”
– Morgan Harper Nichols

What I know for certain is that life is uncertain. Making decisions about the future is tough sometimes. As I apply for jobs in California and various other locations around the country, the unknowns are mounting. What I don’t know, far outweighs what I do know. The challenge in moments like these is to keep my eyes fixed on God. My goal throughout this journey is being at peace with whatever comes my way.

I’m always up for an adventure. It has been awhile since I’ve had one, however. I think I’m due for one. So while I don’t know where the path is leading, I’m at peace.