Dandelion Whispers, Cymplified!

dandelion whispers of life

Days before my birthday, I felt like a white dandelion in the city. Growing out of place in the pavement crack. One strong gust of wind and my pappi might float into the air; or I could have been plucked up by somebody who believes that wishes and dreams are in these seeds, seemingly ending my life cycle. I was anxious that I, too, wouldn’t reach this age, like someone whose funeral I attended recently. Was I ready to depart? Did I live and love enough for others to also know God’s love? Apparently not, because I am still here. I still have not accomplished my purpose, probably. Maybe… There are still a lot of cats and dogs to pet. There are still many books to read. Still many words to write. Stages of life to live, my children’s adulthood to experience. The dandelion whispers of renewed life as it scatters its seeds in the breeze.

dandelion whispers of love

Thinking about death brings to the surface insecurities I have tried hard to replace using God’s Word. How I am an ugly burden. Someone supposedly respectable told me, in different words, that I brought bad luck. Somebody, who’s supposedly a believer, said that I am a liability. Someone who I thought loves me, always sees my faults. I was promised a letter in my mailbox but it never came. It may seem like disappearing is the only option, and that feeling of overwhelming sadness is magnified by perimenopausal hormones. The dandelion whispers of love in weeds and wildflowers, in lilies that God clothes and sparrows that God feeds..

dandelion whispers of growth

Almost 50?! That’s my reality. Standing in the doorway to what is possibly the second half of my life, I look back on the things I have learned and experienced using poetry and metaphors. I gaze at what lies ahead with eyes sharpened (yet literally getting blurry) through lenses of lessons that I wish I could have told my younger self. The dandelion whispers of growth and change in different seasons of life.

Like:

• “Know thyself.” – Chilon or Socrates, maybe. Specifically, know how you want to be loved, know what makes you feel cherished, and then never lower your standards for anybody.

• Acknowledge your passions, your advocacies. There will come a time that you’ll go back to them. Who knows? They might be the paths you will follow all along. Don’t be ashamed of your interests, especially if they’re quirky or different.

• Appreciate your body. Love it. Take care of it. Never believe a negative word others will say about it. God made it specifically for you. Only you have the right to want to improve it for the better. Don’t hurt it just because someone hurt you or got mad at you.

• Let people be responsible for their own feelings, thoughts, actions and reactions. No matter what they say, you cannot make them do anything. Their minds and hearts are beyond your control. You are not that powerful.

• Headmistress Privet once told Blair in Barbie: Princess Charm School, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Well, it was originally said by Eleanor Roosevelt. However, it was a revelation nonetheless, and from a kids’ animated movie, because what you allow or tolerate will persist. Boundaries are important. Saying ‘no’ is not being disrespectful.

• Following trends is okay IF they make you feel comfortable and confident, and are aligned with your principles. Not everything must be had. You can be someone, but not everyone. You can do something, but not everything.

• Protect your peace. Distance yourself from toxic people. Focus on nature – God’s handiwork, instead, and value the ones who are truly kind and stay with you through difficult times. Also on the beautiful little moments, which you’d realize are really the ones that make up a beautiful life. You deserve to do the things you love and enjoy. Let them judge, you cannot please everyone. Because, “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” – Bernard Baruch.

• You have your own timeline according to God, thus, don’t hurry, don’t panic. Being left behind is a myth perpetuated by the world, although, there are some skills that have to be learned at certain ages. Expose yourself to a broad range of experiences and lessons. You will shine where you need to, there’s no perfect everything (time, circumstance) to do something.

These are just some of the things I can think of right now. How about you? Do you have anything you want to tell your younger self?