Sunday 16 June 2013

On my honor

I am not my divorce.

And yet … I am.

The divorce is an important part of my life, without a doubt. It’s just that it’s not the whole thing.

I am so many other things apart from divorced that I can hardly keep up with me.

Granted, I often see life through the lens of divorce – just like I once used to see life through the lens of what-seemed-to-be-a-really-promising, and then what-turned-out-to-be-a-failing, marriage. I suppose this is only natural. But after my initial ‘divorce stare’ at an issue, I make a concerted effort to subject the same issue to other perspectives, too. There is no point in letting marital status kick one out of balance.

I want to try and dwell on the positive ways in which divorce has shaped me, is shaping me.

I am no longer using my relationship with a marriage partner as an excuse not to dare to to have a life of my own.

I am no longer afraid of the idea of being alone,like I was prior to marriage.

There is a crack in everything, as this blog post reminds us: http://www.marydemuth.com/there-is-a-crack-in-everything-tedd-cadd/. That’s how the light gets in.

The ‘crack’ in my life that my divorce represents has let in light, no doubt. That light gives me the energy to strive and hope for good things now and in the future. And because I believe life is essentially good, I pledge the following:

I pledge not to lose my smile. To smile with my eyes and not just with my lips. To continue to smile often.

I pledge not to make my life all about me; to continue to take an interest in others. To be compassionate toward others.

I pledge to deliberately reach out to others – to not get so absorbed with my own set of circumstances that I forget just how much I still have to give to others.

I pledge to use my voice – but to try and remember to do so in a way that is gracious and edifying for others, rather than just plain hurtful.

I pledge to use my gifts, talents, abilities, and experiences to bless others. I already know that I won’t always feel like it. I also know that whether I feel like it or not at the time, in the end, it’s always worth it, and I end up feeling more blessed than those I was meant to bless.

I pledge to sincerely root for the troubled marriages that come my way to make it, the way others once rooted for mine. With a very different style, I suppose, but I’ll root for them nonetheless.

I pledge to give people a fair chance: to not judge anyone by my past experiences, but to give people time to show me who they are – and then (only then) make a decision as to where they belong in my life.

I pledge to stay grateful; to see my glass as half-full rather than half-empty.

I pledge to step out more, to try new things (not too many new things, but at least some!), to not stop trying at life in general.  

I pledge to never drift too far away from joy. To find my way back when I do drift.

I make this pledge to myself.



8 comments:

  1. And so help you God..... It is well

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  2. And the rest of us pledge to love you back and to bless you too! Your pledges are a bit too altruistic. I would like you to enter as many pledges to yourself as you enter to the world: Jesus died to save his father's kingdom and some may call that selfish but it is true love. Pledge that you will treat yourself better, love yourself more, forgive yourself always as you forgive others, praise yourself when you deserve it which is often, and speak up for yourself, not just for the church. Yes, take the opportunity to give the sermon for your own self-clarification and for all the women silenced in the Bible with no book written by a woman. Yes, pay the tithe but also tithe to yourself with 10% going to your retirement account. Yes, go to the regional church but also go to the theater and see a play more often. Have more fun as you said. Remain blessed and beloved.

    Ichie

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    1. Ichie, right now I am seriously wishing I were not 'anonymous' so I can ask you to tell me who you are! This is such a moving comment - thanks for posting it. How interesting ... I was actually hesitant about writing this post because I thought it was a bit 'selfish' to think about what pledges I would like to make to 'myself.' I feel as though divorce has actually made me more 'selfish' - selfish in that I spend more time thinking about myself now than I ever remember doing. When you're single, that's normal and to be expected, I guess, but it feels so strange to me because I was married for quite a while and I'm just not used to thinking of things in terms of 'me.' Your comment made me re-read the post and I do see where you're coming from. I will have to think up a new pledge that is more 'me-focused' (lol) and post it. It will be hard to hammer those things out, but I think it'd be a useful and fun exercise. I *love* the pointers you've provided - really on point. What more can I say? THANK YOU.

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  3. it is well my dear

    Visit www.chizys-spyware.com
    For Celebrity, Fashion and Lifestyle update

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    Replies
    1. Amen! Thanks for stopping by, Chizy, and congratulations on your recent nuptials (saw the lovely, lovely pictures on Myne Whitman's website)! Wishing you well.

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  4. God make u Stronger and happier each day...

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    Replies
    1. Amen! Thank you. And may He grant you the desires of your heart ...

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