The Proverbial Cherry
The Cherry, one of nature’s beautiful gifts. Unspoiled, the finishing touch, doing something for the first time. Ancient lore tells us that the magical Phoenix often slept on a bed of Cherry Blossoms. Poet Pablo Neruda, (one of my favorites) wrote: “I want to do with you what spring does with the cherry trees.“ The cherry tree has also been thought to contain the elixir that allowed the gods their immortality.
I thought the Cherry was the perfect symbol maybe even talisman for this, my first journal entry for you. When something is untouched or unexplored and we reluctantly decide to venture out into uncharted waters, we may still be holding back somewhat in hopes of not really revealing anything, to leave everything intact and unspoiled. We are kind of going forward but not. Maybe it’s even better we think, if it stays alive in our minds only because there, we can continue imagining, fantasizing, even building until that day it is finished or perfect or safe - that day that will never come. We can go there and go through all of the motions without having to really act. We can hope and plan, dream, imagine, and expect without having to birth it into existence and go through disappointment or lose our way. Maybe most importantly, we hope we are able to protect ourselves. In holding back we may not have to endure heartbreak, loss, disappointment, or disillusionment. We can keep it “Cherry” keep it under glass, tucked away in fantasy land. It’s in a special place for safekeeping but then, if we do that isn’t it always just out there - just around the bend? “When I, when they, when the… after I…” It’s alive only in the future and sure it stays unspoiled but that means it also stays unseen, untouched, not tasted, not experienced, and most definitely not felt.
It’s hard to put yourself out there, face your fears, birth your ideas or take a chance on love or on life. What will happen? Will it be well received, will I? Should I even reveal myself or my abilities, my fears, and my heart? Should I show my authentic unapologetic self? Should I show my special gift or keep it tucked away? Should I tell the person how I feel about them, should I say what’s on my heart to say? What if I sound stupid, should I take that risk and just say it? Do I just get it off my chest? What If? Now that’s a loaded, sad and powerful two words right? We all know by now life is full of risks and rewards and certainly we know that love is like that. We are wondering, hoping to keep this love inside of us, in our minds and hearts, not quite ready to admit or reveal. Love transforms everything when we stop trying to make it make sense or please everyone in our world. When we FINALLY reveal the truth to OURSELVES as that slow smile blooms across our face and we shake our heads and curse, that’s a perfect moment! Sweet surrender, sweet emotion! You know what I’m talking about, don’t you? You may even be smiling right now! Aren’t you so glad to be alive? When “it” is fully realized we begin spinning and we then decide to go! That first move, that first declaration, that first kiss – that kiss that breaks the world open. We are in that moment, reborn and there is a shift. We’re rattled and possibly even swallowed by it. Enchanted, addicted and maybe even home at last. Well now we’ve done it, it’s out there, we’re out there. The seal is broken, but hopefully never the spell.
I hope that you put yourself out there and say yes to life - to love and say what is on your heart to say even if you have to keep your eyes closed and kind of peek through your fingers, do it! As you take your first steps, pick up the phone, say the thing, do the thing, swallow your pride or not care what “ they” think I hope that you find that it’s not so scary after all. OK - you can never go back and it’s not “Cherry” anymore but now it’s out there, you’re out there, you did it! Life and love can hurt but they can “what if” ( there it is again) also be rich and beautiful and intense and delicious and without a doubt magical! I hope I’ve inspired you to “go” and remember, you most certainly can break the seal without ever breaking the spell.
I’m so glad you are here.
Love xo
