Not Just Another Sunday

I woke this morning, made a coffee and headed to my computer. Daily routine. I am one that can’t be rushed in the morning, even on a work day. I usually give myself at least an hour before I have to begin getting ready. There are a few websites I visit on most days. This morning was no different, but before I got out of bed I thought about my day.

Today is International Women’s Ride Day and I had planned to go to an event at a local bike shop where women were going to meet, break up into groups and go for a ride together. That was the plan anyway, but I just wasn’t feeling it. Meeting new people, especially a large group is not easy for me, but I usually force myself out of my comfort zone. Not today. I just didn’t feel like it. So I thought I would ride alone. It felt like that kind of day, and I could see that the sun was shining through my window shade. Still cozy in my bed, I realized the wind was blowing ferociously. That’s not good. I am not a fan of riding in the wind. We’ll see.

I settled at my desk, coffee in hand, turned on my computer, and stumbled upon this poem that seemed to be speaking directly to me:

You Learn 

After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,

And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
And company doesn’t mean security.

And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts
And presents aren’t promises,

And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,

And you learn to build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

After a while you learn…
That even sunshine burns if you get too much.

So you plant your garden and decorate your own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure…

That you really are strong

And you really do have worth…

And you learn and learn…

With every good-bye you learn.

~J.L. Borges

Not only did this touch me so deeply on a personal level, but it also left me feeling like there is so much more to discover in this world. What if I had missed this? I feel like there aren’t enough days left to find something new to be touched by, but that’s what I want to do!

I’m still hoping for the wind to calm. I’m hoping for that bike ride. If not, I will brave it with a run instead. Then I will come home and plant some flowers.

The heart of a woman is strong indeed.