Sea of Gratitude

"A mermaid found a swimming lad,
Picked him for her own
Pressed her body to his body,
Laughed; and plunging down
Forgot in cruel happiness
That even lovers drown."
- William Butler Yeats

I love this Yeats poem; it speaks much to both our independent and codependent nature. We want so badly to share our innermost experiences with others, but often - like the mermaid - we forget that not everyone can go where we go. No one else can go into our depth completely. We must travel there alone.

We are - it seems, in many senses - quite alone in this life. After all, we are designed this way. It is from this singular mind and this singular body that we exist. It is from this singular heart that beats blood and spirit through our bones that we feel our way through our very personal experiences.

This can be a hard piece of truth to swallow - our solitude. But it is beautiful too. It is powerful. It is a beautiful juxtaposition to know we have everything we could ever really need inside ourselves and a sea of adventure to be had outside ourselves. Life is so amazing in this way.

Perhaps not everyone can travel with us; perhaps we will never be fully understood by all. But every life we touch is a gift. And every relationship we have becomes a home where we can return from solitude again and again.

Looking back as this year comes to a close, I see this has been my lesson. Strength of character inside - independent, steady and strong - and the courage to live with mind and heart wide open. I am a mermaid and the world is my lover. I am in love with the possibilities of tomorrow. I am in love with the hope that the best is yet to come.

Life is an ocean of adventure and I swim in a sea of gratitude. Grateful for everyone who has touched my life. For relationships - new and old - fleeting and forever. Ones that are a temporary shelter and those that have made a permanent residence in my heart.

I am thankful for you all. You feed me. You carry me. And I promise to carry you. Even when the waters are deep. Even in the deepest depths of solitude. I promise I will not let you drown.