filed in Daily Life
Jumping Off Point
Careening through life alone is hard. That’s why we need partners. Some people find partnership with a mate. Others uncover it elsewhere, and learn to rely on a multitude of sources for sustenance and support. I’m now on a first-name basis with the woman who runs the Chinese take-out place in my neighborhood. And that makes me leap for joy.
Contest entries are in the hands of Lizz Winstead. Winner announced shortly.
Divers by Peter Hapak
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what makes me leap for joy…?
when somebody at work says how much she enjoys working with me!
when a friend invites me to a champange tasting. Oh lovely bubbles, that can make anyone jump from joy
that I today celebrate 3 weeks of not being in contact with my married lover!! Well done girl! before you know it it will be 3 months…!
and I am actually ok:-)!..even if cycling past the embassy every day sucks…:-)!
that summer has come to Copenhagen at last…
and what is partnership? is any person ever there for keeps…, for better or worse? and what does it mean?
How do you find the balance between the need for support and companionship with the need for independence…? Making sure you can manage, and be happy on your own…, in order to be able to really enjoy the time spent with friends, partners, mates, whoever…
oh that delicate balancing act between really enjoying my “me-time”, home alone in my beautiful apartment, or going for a lovely run in the park on a beautiful summer morning…and that EMPTY feeling… home alone…!!!
life is a constant balancing act it seems:-) better not look down…
Beautifully said. With all the honest ups and downs. Thanks, Jess.
The idea of needing a partner of some kind is a wonderful sentiment. But there are some of us who have never had one, not as a child or as an adult – and not necessarily by our own choice. We are invisible, living in the shadows. I’ve come to find happiness inside myself rather than from the world and its people. I’ve never felt the need for marriage but I would love a friend. But in this busy, everybody-has-his/her-own-busy-life world, it’s not always possible. Everyone needs a partner? Maybe. But when that isn’t possible, many of us rely on an even more basic instinct – to make happiness even when/where none seems apparent. Resilient spirits.
I met someone today, Li, who echoed your sentiment about partnership. And I really appreciate your sharing. When I moved into a new neighborhood last summer, I felt isolated. Lately, I’ve become acquainted with my mail carrier, the UPS delivery guy and lots of dog owners on the street. Even though we don’t spend more than a few moments together, it helps brighten my day.
Li – I really relate to what you said, growing up feeling invisible is hard to shake. I’m working on finding happiness where I can, in lots of different places/people/things. Resilience and perseverance are necessary.
Resilience and flexibility are incredibly important.
That’s exactly how I feel, Li. It would be nice to come home and have someone to talk to for once.