What I Learned on My Summer Vacation

By on September 8, 2009 in Health

Lessons of an emotional/philosophical nature
•    Divorce hurts more than having cancer.
•    I will never allow another person to clip my wings or cause me to doubt myself.
•    I now choose to be with people who nourish me and can accept me as I am.
•    I will not waste any more time on relationships that are based on power struggles.
•    There will be romance again, but only when I’m ready.
•    If I could do this summer over, I would have had my own place instead of staying with kind friends.
•    I learned to say, “Maybe you’re right,” and walk away without exposing my soft white underbelly
•    My time is short and I still have much to do.
•    The past can’t be erased but I don’t need to wallow in it, or even remember it every day. Today is my focus.
•    I have this window of opportunity to try something new and begin my new life.
•    I raised my son the very best way I could . Despite my mistakes,he is thriving.

Things of a creative nature
•    Wrote and now submitting story titled, “ The Old Jewish Cemetery of Florence”
•    Studying with Lisa Alpine, writing coach and mentor
•    Collected my writing in one place, my web site, and can now move ahead with editing and submitting
•    Created portfolio of my best photos

Things of a practical / responsible nature
•    In thirty days, I got my house ready for sale.
•    House sold after a very tense six weeks.
•    Sorted through and disposed of thirty-plus years worth of “stuff’.
•    All that remains now are some very special books, photographs and family mementos.
•    Worked with strong lawyer to finish final settlement for divorce.

A few things that I didn’t accomplish  (but are at the top of my list for when I’m back "home" in Florence)
•    See a live (Italian) opera
•    Learn to tango
•    Display my photos in a gallery

 

www.marciebeyatte.com
 

About MarcieB

I worked in bookstores most of my adult life because I loved the smell of new books. When I became a cancer survivor in 2003, I discovered I could no longer say,
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3 Responses to What I Learned on My Summer Vacation

  1. Jasmina September 9, 2009 at 10:28 pm #

    Hi Marcie, I know you don't know me and I don't know you, but you are a fellow traveller, and I just wanted to say: you will get through it. I went through a very difficult divorce years ago, had a child I was still raising, I know…very tough.

    I just wanted to encourage you, you have the strength in you, I can feel it. And it is ok to reach out.

    I hope you don't mind me speaking so personally. I really enjoyed your words and pictures. My father's family escaped from Germany during the holocaust, and somehow, the Jewish Cemetary, and that young woman's story touched me. It is like that for me, because of that connection. Thank you for posting that link.

    Wishing you all the best, and healing, cheers, Jas/Lisa

  2. Nadi September 12, 2009 at 9:15 am #

    Supported and walking beside you, all the way in spirit and light…

    Much love and remembrance,

    Nadi

  3. DrDeb September 21, 2009 at 6:56 am #

    Your "lessons of an emotional/philosophical nature" are SO POWERFUL, Marcie. I think this one struck me with the most force: "Divorce hurts more than having cancer." We as a society tend to be so focused on health and disease and the body, overlooking the fact that an emotional blow can hurt the spirit even more than physical pain.

    Thanks so much for sharing these, Marcie, and I'm excited for you in this "window of opportunity to try something new" and begin your new life — YES! As Sun Tzu wrote, "Opportunities multiply as they are seized." Seize the day!

    Peace and love,

    Deb