Bubble Gum Moment
I must say even for a woman of independence and strength the past week has challenged my resolve. The days were those that quake the knowledge of self belief. Pushing waves of fear and confrontation that fill you until your throat continuously contracts just to keep it down! I am not one to avoid challenges but for some time now my life is abundant with such waves. It’s unsettling and as a woman my desire is to curl up into a ball (preferably with Ben & Jerry’s Creme Brulee ice cream…) and not move for hours.
In the mist of such unrest small whispers of “bubble gum” appear. Remember when you were young and your saliva glands exploded when you first bit down on that chunk of bubble gum? It was a moment of simple joy. The taste and smell…joy! On my way to work yesterday morning fresh from a relaxing and calm holiday weekend, my mind was consumed wondering what speed bumps, fences or walls will appear that I must conquer? Suddenly there was a burst of color overhead. Three hot air balloons were making their decent in my path as I came to my familiar traffic light on 29. In Michigan hot air balloon sightings are very common! There are festivals dedicated to them and are a beauty to behold. I’ve since noticed that there are novices here in Virginia as well. It made me smile and reminisce. I’ve had the pleasure of riding twice in my life. It was serene and spectacular! The silence of their way, the rare burst of hot power, the graphic colors that pepper the sky as they caress the clouds.
Amazing that in my moment of life that is a long dark hall leading to unknown discoveries, such a simply joy made me forget. Even for a few minutes…enjoying the sight and feeling my heart lightened, calmed me. If in those moments we can recognize a simple joy of life…maybe things are as bad as they seem?
