“Buildings and bridges are made to bend in the wind.
To withstand the world, that’s what it takes.
All that steel and stone is no match for the air, my friend.
What doesn’t bend, breaks. What doesn’t bend, breaks…”
~Ani Difranco, “Buildings & Bridges”
The nature of life is a series of ebbs and flows. In storms, we try to hold tight but also bend to the will of the wind. We protect what is dear.
This last week, the Midwest was hit by 70-100+ mile an hour winds. What wasn’t secured down, was “lost to the wind” literally. Watching the trees was amazing. How a tree could bend as far out of alignment was incredible. It would then bounce back without breaking. It was truly a natural miracle.
As the world is hustling and bustling for holiday preparations, please remember that not everything needs to be perfect. Striving for excellence provides you more flexibility. But even excellence is not necessary. Enjoying your loved ones and spending time with them is precious. In twenty years, they won’t remember all the details that you tirelessly saw to until exhaustion. But they will remember the time you carved out to have the children assist with the baking and decorating. The time you carved out to just listen to them. If you didn’t get all the Christmas cards sent on time, don’t worry. Your loved ones will still appreciate the personal note you wrote afterward. It will reach them when their house is a bit quieter without all the activity and extra noise.
When you are totally stressed and tired, remember Difranco’s words, “What doesn’t bend, breaks.” By gently yielding instead of always holding tight, it will help you get through the stress, change, or adjustment. Adapting like the tree blowing in the wind, doesn’t mean that you don’t care. It’s just listening to nature to adjust your plan. In the long run, it might even make you stronger. Find your peace and grow in flexibility against change, setbacks, and difficult situations.
You’ve got this!
~ Gram
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