Personal reflection: carey shreve

I could’ve….

…resisted bursting into my earthly life at exactly the moment I did – 7:58 PM on 09/24/1953.

Would that have changed anything?

… not been mired in the mindless battles and crushing love a younger sibling brings – Jon. What a lonely childhood that would’ve been.

…spit out rather than sucked on (too many) gin-laden olives in my baby teeth mouth – oh, the sting of that bitter gin on my tongue and where it led me.

…embraced my flaming red hair and freckles and everything that goes with it.

…closed my ten-year old eyes against seeing JFK’s assassination play out in grainy black and white on TV.

(Ditto for the assassinations of RFK and MLK Jr. five years later.)

…been born to parents who lived a monochromatic life vs. ones in full blown technicolor.

… chosen not to exercise Roe vs. Wade when I needed it and

…had regrets about the above; but I’ve had none about that - ever.

…been less willing to take any dare tossed my way after a fifth of anything.

…been sober when I said, “I do” - and

…stayed sober long enough to nurse my two daughters.

…found recovery way earlier - and

…taken it more seriously the first time around.

…been a better ______________.

Yup, anything.

…learned who I was before reaching my 60’s.

…told fewer lies - and

…realized honesty is the only way to communicate with others

… guessed sooner that not everyone is interested in my whole life story - and

…savored hearing everyone else’s life story instead

…eaten less chocolate - and

…eaten more chocolate.

…taken more deep breaths - and

…given mediation a fair chance.

…laughed, cried, and raged more when the time was right - and

…recognized that being vulnerable is being the ultimate badass.

I can…

…accept life completely on life’s terms - and

…learn my lessons with humility and grace.

…rely on a Divine Presence that has never abandoned me. Not once. And

…listen to my intuition knowing it is the voice of the above.

…love with my whole being.

…support those whose path is the same as mine - and

…respect those who choose a different journey.

…honor the finite nature of my time here - and

…express gratitude for every moment of every day.

Namaste

…

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about the writer: carey shreve

Carey recently sold her home in the woods to move into a second-floor apartment (now her nest) in the village of Paw Paw, Michigan. This has made her life infinitely simpler, and every window looks out on a variety of trees. She divides her time between working with Special Education young adults, supporting other women in recovery (which in turn supports her!), and spending time with her granddaughter, Maddi, who is wise in the ways only an almost five-year old can be. Carey plans to retire within the next few years and is looking forward to the adventures that transition will bring.