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Renew

January 2, 2013 · 16 Comments

“RENEW”

…this is a “very carefully picked” word. 
It is my chosen word for this year 2013! – WoTY 

Why this word?

It is a renewal of —faith + love—, as simple as that!

This realization came upon me when 2 deaths met me in 2012.
First ‘my dear father’ Miguel Angel peacefully passed away after  a long and extended illness, on 12-04-12
&
…next the sudden tragic and terrible death, a week later, of ‘my loving cat’ ComeHere on 12-11-12. 

Having these deaths occur so consecutively and both on a Tuesday at around 6:00 am, was a bit disconcerting.
This was not exactly coincidental for I felt that they were linked somehow! 

I spent about 3 days truly grasping at straws, very heartbroken and also very angry about the loss!
My feelings were shattered, my mind blank and literarily my thoughts started racing.
I saw myself running across plains and fields, covering great expanses;
passing through mountains like magic and into caves of time.
I swam across many oceans of sorrow where immense flocks of birds flew above with the fleeting clouds.
These swift mental voyages actually became very soothing for me.
But also quite puzzling!
And I wondered, asking… WHY? Why would I be running so? Am I fleeing from something?

my feet

Then it dawned on me I was traveling like this because I was free in some wild way.
These travels were showing me the depth of our world, the dimensions and its charms!

This was Love! It engulfs us constantly, it makes things happen and I needed not to forget this! 
All of a sudden I felt as if these deaths were telling me to let go, of the habitual,
and the restrictions of the dreary path of selfness.
I so needed to change my perspective, I had been gifted with a glimpse and now an opportunity.
Here was the chance to revisit old paths with renewed enthusiasm.

By receiving the word “Renew” deeply in my heart,
I am committed to understand and embrace it!
And accept this hard lesson about love,
that was delivered to me, through the sad death of my dear ones.
In some sense I am renewing this unconditional love in my life.

:heart:

After despair, many hopes flourish
just as after rain
thousands of roses open.
Surrender to the Almighty and be led into life. 
~Rumi


Synonyms: freshen, recharge, recreate, refresh, refreshen, regenerate, rejuvenate, repair, restore, resuscitate, revitalize, revive, revivify


Now for change and a bit of a blogging bliss! Go and discover Kathie Gadd’s “WoTY” (word of the year)

Please visit her blog: 

https://lavenderchalet.com


   

Filed In: Blog

Comments

  1. suzi says

    January 2, 2013 at 12:35 pm

    Lisa, it has been wonderful to meet and share so much with you in 2012. I wish you a more gentle 2013 where you can take the steps to begin to renew. I will enjoy sharing a little more of life’s path with you. Here’s to a happier and more creative New Year. Love peace and kindness to you.

    Reply
    • lisarivas says

      January 2, 2013 at 5:09 pm

      It makes my heart very happy to see your visit and kind words. I look forward in spending some time in getting to know you bit better every time I visit you through your blog. I truly enjoyed those dancing lights of the moon. Many hugs and Thank You :heart:

      Reply
  2. Nina says

    January 2, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    Beautifully said. Wishing you a famously grand and creative New Year!

    Reply
    • lisarivas says

      January 3, 2013 at 6:03 pm

      Thank for coming by Nina. Loved your post, still thinking of the sun being the heart of the tree, so wonderful. Great photographs. :heart:

      Reply
  3. Dawn Conery says

    January 2, 2013 at 3:30 pm

    Sweet Lisa, how my heart ached for you during the last month. It was a helpless feeling to know that someone I cared about but, did not even meet (yet) was in such pain. Know that you were in my heart and thoughts and still are. I am moved and amazed at your strength and awed by your visions and new knowledge. How encouraging for us all. I wish you a year of Renewal and love. I have no doubt you will find it! huggs

    Reply
  4. Sharon says

    January 2, 2013 at 4:08 pm

    Wonderful writing, Lisa. and I love your photos with your green polish and green grass. Definitely the color of renewal. Glad to see you embrace it.

    Reply
  5. becky in burma says

    January 2, 2013 at 5:57 pm

    Hi Lisa,
    Thank you for sharing your word with us and how powerful and meaningful it is to you. I am very sorry for the loss of your father and of your beloved cat. 🙁 That is so much to take in, let alone within such a short period of time. Death really does make us stop and see things, our mortality, in a stunning way.

    While you were describing your thoughts, how you were running, I thought about The Hobbit + Lord of the Rings. (Don’t laugh!) I just got back about 30 minutes ago from seeing The Hobbit. Of course, there were fields, and mountains, and rivers….and I could imagine you working your way through those to find that freedom you discussed.

    I wish you all the best in 2013: here’s to renewal!

    Oh. I just have to say that I love your green toenail polish!! 🙂

    Reply
  6. Chandra says

    January 2, 2013 at 6:22 pm

    I love the green toes! A great word renew! Hope this year is great for you full of renewal.

    Reply
  7. Renee says

    January 2, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    Hi Lisa, your strength is inspiring and I wish you renewed love for 2013.

    Reply
  8. Debi Minter says

    January 2, 2013 at 10:40 pm

    Lisa, what a beautiful post!!! Not only is your word for 2013 wonderful, but your heartfelt post and magical words just made my heart smile!!! May MANY blessings come into your life this year! I’m so grateful that I’ll be able to “FLY” this path with you this year!!
    HuGGs!
    Debi

    Reply
  9. Kristen Conley says

    January 3, 2013 at 3:35 am

    Oh sweet Lisa, you so deserve for 2013 to be about renewal. You have had a rough last month and I wish you lots of soul healing <3 I thought of you this morning when I saw a bruise on my apple in the shape of a heart. Happy New Year Lisa!

    Reply
  10. Kathie says

    January 3, 2013 at 4:08 am

    Dear Lisa… I am so sorry for Both of your losses, and especially so close together! I’m sending you lots of Huggs and hope that in time the pain will subside and the wonderful memories come forward! Your word and description are beautiful and will play a huge part in having a happy 2013! I wish you all the best and am glad we are Flying together on this journey!
    xo

    Reply
  11. Naz Laila says

    January 3, 2013 at 8:17 am

    Dear Lisa you have chosen such a powerful word . Really sorry to know about your loss in 2012 but I am sure with the strength of your love you wil grow and renew this year and hopefully we will share part of your journey.

    Reply
  12. Michelle says

    January 3, 2013 at 5:12 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of your loved ones passing. The words you wrote of you running, the caves and the clouds…I pictured your flowing dress and you were barefoot. You were truly feeling in every sense of the word. Renew is such a beautiful gift. I pray peace, love and faith fill your heart.

    Reply
  13. Wendy Poling says

    January 3, 2013 at 7:19 pm

    Lisa, I’m so sorry for your losses. I have no doubt that renew will bring you many blessings this year. I’m happy to be taking this journey with you!

    Reply
  14. Karrlin Bain says

    January 4, 2013 at 4:47 pm

    What a perfect word and beautiful post! The ladies all said it so well above! I am sorry for the losses that you had during the year.

    Reply

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