Greetings beautiful human,
I was writing a wee Missive for all y’all about the Hero’s/Heroine’s Journey when I took a break and read a couple of texts from my younger son. They really caught my attention.
With his permission – I am sharing them with you here, as well a very brief bit of back story – both his and mine – because it’s simply what wanted to be shared.
As you may know – I have birthed and mothered three children – all of whom I fiercely adore.
For one of my offspring, the youngest, life became particularly rocky and difficult in childhood.
He went from a happy go lucky, curious, open-hearted, enthusiastic boy to a deeply troubled, angry and haunted one.
His challenges were an enormous part of what propelled me into a long and extensive journey of discovery and investigation, well outside of mainstream culture and conventional medicine.
I went in search of answers and assistance in an effort to support his return to health and wellness, as well as supporting his siblings and ultimately myself.
Suffice it to say – I have learned much.
Part of my son’s personal journey – and by association and through family history, mine – has been one of substance abuse.
He began taking psychiatric medications as a child of nine. A combination of medications they now know causes serotonin poisoning, often leading to psychotic and aggressive behaviors.
This early pharmaceutical use, exacerbated already present brain issues.
I believe this early pharmaceutical use – as do other mothers I know of with who have had similar experiences with their children – led to more serious drug use.
This drug use culminated for my son in several years as a multiple IV drug addict and homelessness.
Before I continue – please know there is SO much to this story that I am not sharing in a few brief sentences. Both his experience, my own as well of that of his siblings. Perhaps another time.
I will say with certainty – that besides my own Lifestream itself – this human, this being that I birthed, has been my absolute greatest teacher.
Full stop.
I am beyond grateful to report that shortly after his twenty-ninth birthday – literally only days from death – my son turned and chose Life rather than continuing his excruciatingly long slow-dance with Death.
I am one of the incredibly lucky mothers.
Not only is he alive – he is thriving with nearly eight years of sobriety, maturity and self reflection under his belt.
He has a strong community of support, many loving relationships and a positive and curious outlook.
He and I have had many conversations over the last years about his journey. He firmly believes it could not have been any other way.
He affirms that everything he’s gone through has made him who he is and he is learning to love and appreciate who that is more and more all the time.
The fires of life can certainly forge us into shining vessels.
I know I am his mom…
And.
I also know – the world is enriched and blessed by this man’s thoughtful, human and loving presence.
So when I opened the texts and watched the clips from Instagram that he shared with me as well as his comments about them – lifewater flowed as I took in the message, maturity and quality of the other men that he admires. That inspire him.
Not only was it a celebratory moment, I also thought you might find them affirming and useful as well.
Unfortunately Instagram is not cooperating!
So I am sharing one clip with you that in my opinion is right on, counter to a paradigm that leaves us unfulfilled and also gives me hope for the future.
And – I could not have said it better.
Life Isn’t About Happiness
The photo above is of the reel.
In my opinion it is very much worth listening to.
My son’s story is but one example of the Hero/Heroine’s journey.
A story of facing monsters, hardships and inner battles.
A story of getting lost in fields of forgetting.
Of finding one’s inner treasure and ultimately coming home again to impart the wisdom and experience gained with others through example, compassion and words.
An epic journey still in process.
As is your own life story… an epic journey still in process.
Walking the road together – with love and appreciation…
And finally – Let’s End with a small moment of beauty, wonder and possibility.
One of the things that unfailingly restores my Spirit, engenders hope, reaffirms my love of Life and connects me to something vast and precious is wandering the world and noticing, really paying attention to what is all around me.
Small details. Beautiful bits. Smiles. The sky. Eyes. Blossoms. Bare branches. Leaf mold. Water droplets.
It has become a deeply grounding and uplifting practice for me.
I believe that the Universe, Nature, Life herself is always having a conversation with every one of us
For me – noticing is like listening deeply – heightens that communion and strengthens intimacy.
Small Seed Pod – along the way
