February Musings

February is here and Buckeye Chuck did not see his shadow this week. This week our temperatures have been a high of 58 and then dipping into the 20’s. One thing we know in Ohio is that if you don’t like the weather, wait another day. Hopefully, that prediction will come true and spring will be early. April will be a great time for retreat at Lakeside.

This is also leap year, so we add an extra day to February. What will you do with that one day? Take some time to contemplate what this winter has meant to you and what you have accomplished, even if it just means you put all the holiday decorations away for another year. Celebrate the small and big events in your life and be grateful that spring is around the corner.

The April retreat is filling up. Early Bird pricing ends on February 15. Only a couple of spots still open. If you plan on attending, please contact me via email for registration forms. Weather forecasts call for high of 60 and low of 41 for our April weekend. Perfect weather to spend time in nature to reflect on what’s next. Don’t miss out.

Still January

We are near the end of January. Weather in Ohio is cold but not frigid, and we have had more rain than snow this year. It doesn’t really feel like winter to me. I like snow as enjoy the glistening flakes as they fall so quietly to the ground and leave a bed of white. Without much snow, winter has seemed longer and it’s hard to believe it is still January.

As winter carries on for another couple of months, I am in the process of getting the next Stretching Forward Retreat ready. April 17-19 will be here before we know it, with spring popping up buds to bloom, and hopefully the sky showing us more sunlight. Reservations are coming in with less than three weeks to take advantage of early bird pricing. If you haven’t been on a retreat before, think about taking time for yourself. As Joan Anderson says, “Retreat is a form of pause—it is a time apart in solitude, a precious space in which we can see our world in a different light—acknowledge the grief, celebrate the gifts, and honor our own unique spirit without worrying about how others see us or what jobs still have to be done.” I hope you can join us.

Stretching Forward

a time to honor all that we have experienced and the way it affects our hearts

A New Year

As the first full week of 2020 begins, we all go back to “normal.” No more holidays in the middle of the week, no more parties to give or attend, children and grandchildren go back to school, and those of us who work will start a full work week. I spent the last couple of days taking down my Christmas decorations. I am ready to stretch forward, but am always a little sad to take the tree down. Our tree takes hours to put up and to take down. I like lots of lights for the ornaments to reflect in, colored lights like when I was growing up, and bubble lights. Once the lights are placed, each ornament is taken out of its box and hung while I remember what it means to me. Some are gifts from children and grandchildren, others from dear friends, some from my husband, some were made by me years ago. Each one has a story to tell so it takes me a little longer for me to put up and take down the tree. As my grandson (8 years old) told my daughter this year as they put their tree up, “Mommy, it’s a tree full of memories.” So I have passed my love for the tree down two generations now.

All the ornaments are now in their appointed box, safely stored until next year, with memories that grow each year. Memories of raising children, vacations, celebrations, family reunions. The tree is LOVE. It’s important for me to take the time to put everything away carefully as I cherish the memories. And then, it’s time to move ahead, to get on with the act of living each day. Of stretching forward to what is ahead. We have a new grandchild due this month. Memories yet to be added to the tree, and our lives. May 2020 provide memories for you too.

Ending of a Decade

Our year is almost over. It is time to celebrate New Year’s Eve, to say goodbye to 2019 and say hello to 2020. But this year, it’s a new decade, not just a new year. We are saying goodbye to the 2010’s. Have you looked at what has happened in the world in the last 10 years? There have been so many world events that have changed our lives - September 11, 2001 was near the beginning of the decade, Obama was re-elected in 2012, Trump was elected in 2016, the world has taken down powerful terrorist leaders, earthquakes and tsunamis have devastated countries, temperatures have been rising. The internet has blossomed, clouds have appeared in more than the sky, music is being streamed, the Supreme Court passed marriage rights for LGBTQ, the Me Too movement began, and the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA championship. What has happened in your world? World events matter but I find it more beneficial to consider where I was in 2010 and what has changed in my life. As 2010 began, I was a hospital nurse educator, three of our children had graduated college, two were married, and we had one grandchild. As 2020 begins, all five of our children have graduated and are married. We now have seven grandchildren and are expecting two more before the end of March. We lost both of my husband’s parents in 2012, and this past summer celebrated my mother’s 90th birthday. I retired from my nursing career in 2016 and have started Stretching Forward LLC. We think of how there are days that never end, some we can’t wait for, and some we hope we never see. Reflection of where we have been is important only so we can look forward. When we live each day of our journey, we are able to let go of yesterday and not worry about tomorrow. And then, life happens. Both good and bad, happy and sad. Yes, January 1 starts a new decade, but it’s just another day! Make it count for you.

Each day is a blessing!

Look for peace within yourself.

Take the Time

This is the time of year we forget about the little joys all around us as we go about accomplishing our to do lists. Last week was very busy for me as I prepared for a dinner party for ten Saturday night and a church Christmas tea on Sunday. I was determined to not let the tasks at hand get in the way of enjoying each moment. In the middle of the week, I decided to stop at a nursery on my way home one evening to see if they had mistletoe. A nice to have, not a need to have. As I got out of my car, I looked to the west and saw the most gorgeous sunset full of pinks and even yellows. I stopped right there, went over to where I could get a better view, and just stared for a couple of minutes. I felt so warm and joy-filled at what I saw. The mistletoe was purchased in less than 5 minutes. When I returned to the car, all the colors were gone and the sky was almost gray. My first reaction was disappointment at having the colors gone, and then I thanked myself for taking the time as I got out of the car. It made my day. This season, remember to enjoy what is in front of you right now. Take time for the little pleasures in life. You will be glad you did.

November Stretching

Have you made a visit to relatives and friends in a retirement community? I find proof that life is what you make it every time I visit. There are women (and men) who still find a zest for life and look forward to today’s bingo or tomorrow’s bus outing to a local museum. They enjoy having meals with new found friends and laugh at memories from years gone by. What a joy to see these women and know that there will always be something to learn. Half way through November, the days are getting shorter and in Cleveland, the skies are becoming grayer and we can be on auto pilot. We will be busy with the holidays over the next six weeks, and then awake to a new year providing time for us to once again notice the gray skies and dreary weather. Be like the ladies who play bingo. Take some time today to step outside, get some air, smell the fallen leaves, and remind yourself of who you are and where you want to be. Don’t let the weather stop you. Learn something new every day. This is a great time to reflect and keep stretching forward.

Stretching at the Bop Stop

Looking at the Bop Stop calendar, I ran across a book signing/performance Sunday evening by a retired RN, singer, author. Needless to say, I was intrigued. My husband and I attended her event where she spoke of her nursing career while she added songs to enrich the dialogue. Her nursing experiences ranged over 36 years from ICU to home-care to public school nursing to dialysis. Her music career has included singing with church choirs, the Cleveland Orchestra Choir and Blossom Festival Choir. Barbara J. Barrett has a beautiful voice, singing a variety of tunes Sunday evening, including The Lord’s Prayer, “Killing Me Softly” (Roberta Flack) and a song by Billie Holliday as she weaved the music into her story. It was an evening to watch another Unfinished Woman as she ventures into new territories as an author. I purchased her book, “Hood Medical . .. This is Why I Sing” and look forward to reading more about her. What an inspiration. It’s never too late! We all have magic in us.

Barbara J. Barrett . . . This is Why I Sing

Balance

We don’t realize how important balance is in our lives until something comes along to tip the apple cart. Seasons come and go and provide a rhythm to our lives. We settle into our expectations for each season without thinking about them. As fall arrives, we know the leaves will be changing, the weather will get cooler, pumpkins will be harvested, apple pies will be baked, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. We are on auto pilot to “get through” the next day, week, or month. I find this to be a time for reflection of the past year. A time to look at what I have done, and what I still want to accomplish before the end of the year. The cooler temperatures and beautiful colors motivate me to stretch forward. Continue to do the same.

Autumn

“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.” (Lauren DeStefano) I agree with Lauren, as I feel alive walking the nature trails near my home this time of year. I feel invigorated marveling at the beauty of nature. I look forward to wearing a jacket, as heat has worn me out. The squirrels are busy collecting nuts and I see the farmers busy harvesting their crops as I drive down country roads. Preparing for the winter ahead. It’s time to start using seasonal recipes to include apples, pumpkin, stews and chili. Autumn reminds us that the only constant is change and change happens everywhere and to everyone. The amount of daylight and night-time are similar in length as nature shows us the need for balance. Take some time this fall to work on the balance in your life.

September

As we find ourselves in the middle of September, enjoy the last days of summer. The weather in Ohio is beautiful right now - trees are still green, flowers are still blooming, life is abundant. Enjoy today without worrying about what’s ahead. The season will change and we will have the fall leaves and crisp air to embrace. But until then, smell the flowers, take a walk without a jacket, and just enjoy TODAY.

Grateful

I spent two nights at Lakeside last week. A chance to relax and reflect. A chance to soak in the beauty and serenity of Lakeside. Gratitude, the ability to appreciate your life no matter what challenges it has had so far, often opens the door. It provides a chance to realize what is amazing on your journey and be thankful. Take time to be grateful for today.

While at Lakeside, I attended a concert by Al Stewart and his right hand, Dave Nachmanoff. Al was entertaining, but it was Dave who had original music that moved me. This song is called “Grateful.” I hope you enjoy it. The other song he sang was titled, “Autumn,'“ a song he wrote his wife for the 30th wedding anniversary. Look it up - it’s wonderful too.

Gratitude

and Grace

We Matter

In our busy lives, we miss the opportunity to find time to evaluate our lives. As we experience life’s milestones, we sometimes forget that we are more than daughters, wives and mothers. We matter. Retreat to find yourself again, to regroup and regenerate your spirit. Brochures have been mailed to our mailing list with details about the November retreat. Consider joining us this fall to center yourself before the rush of the holidays arrives.

Summer Happiness

Learn to be happy right now. As we enjoy summer, what better time to find what brings us joy! My grandchildren found joy just being together in an open field. So much fun to watch them. What are you doing for fun this summer? Please use the comments to share. It might give us all a new idea.

Summer has Arrived

Not too long ago, the Cleveland area was having rain almost every day. Temperatures were in the 60’s and 70’s and I heard so many people asking where summer was. Today we have fourth day of over 80. It is hot and humid now. Summer has arrived. Everything in due time. The summer solstice was only last week, and right on cue, we now need to water our flowers daily, turn on the air conditioning, and enjoy the heat. Swimming pools, rivers and lakes are beckoning. Patience teaches us to accept and try to enjoy today, just as it is. As I look out my window and see the trees filled with beautiful green leaves, and the sun shining down, I am grateful for the beauty all around me. As we continue to stretch forward, may we all appreciate the rain, the cooler temps, the sunshine, the heat, and all the variety Ohio brings. No holding back. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

Summer Solstice

Honoring the solstice can remind us how precious each day is. 🌞Today, the longest day of the year for those of us in the northern hemisphere, offers the perfect chance to celebrate stretching forward.

Consider meditation:

☀ Find a comfortable seat, outside weather permitting. 
☀ Begin with a few cleansing breaths through the nose and out through the mouth to get settled in. Then find an even rhythm as you inhale and exhale.
☀ Feel your body. Notice the sensations that arise as you sit.
☀ Observe any thoughts in your mind. Give yourself permission to be present with what is and to let go of anything unnecessary for the moment.
☀ As you sit and breathe, connect with the rising of your breath just like the rising of the sun. With each inhale, imagine you are breathing in pure, warm light. With each exhale, imagine that warm light going into the world from you. This light carries with it potential, possibility, and new perspectives.

Summer is almost here!

June 21 brings us the summer solstice, a time when we can enjoy the outdoors, nature, and hopefully, sunshine. As we enter this wonderful time of the year, remember that you need play and laughter and joy in your life. Find some time each week to play - take a walk and look at nature while you walk, find a playground and swing or slide or even teeter-totter. Go to the lake and splash in the water. Make a sand castle. Watch a sunrise or sunset and see how many colors you find in the sky. Being in Ohio, we are still waiting for the sunshine, but even splashing in the puddles can be fun. Watch a child marvel at life as they explore what our world has to offer. Be Present in your day. And remember to keep stretching forward!

Wisdom Seekers

Women over a certain age become wisdom seekers. Anything or anyone that does not bring us alive is too small for us.  Joan Erikson says that wisdom is all about Seeing, so we need to  Stop - Look - Listen. We are curious about our world and have a desire to learn and grow emotionally and spiritually. We have made the decision to embark on the journey of a lifetime to discover the lessons we must learn to become wise elders instead of elderly.   Instead of the present model for aging focused on the physical diminishment of our bodies and minds, we seek to continue to be vital and active members of society so we can bring our wisdom to a society that sorely needs a new more positive view of the future. Our world faces many challenges and we can be an example of how to make a difference in the world one person at a time.

Take Time for Yourself

“Sometimes the best way to get answers about your life is to simply spend some quiet time alone. Look within and ask yourself some deeper questions. How do you feel? What do you want overall? You know yourself better than anyone. Have faith in your own wisdom.” This is often easier to say than do. Retreat is a wonderful way to get in touch with who you are. To take care of yourself. There was a time in my life when everything I did was for someone else and I found myself coasting on empty. When you get to empty it takes a longer time to fill up your tank. Through the years I have found that my life is smoother when I fill myself up before getting that far away from who I really am. One of the better parts of being more seasoned (older) is that I recognize my needs much sooner than when I was younger. Retreat has filled my tank many times and helped me find the joys in my life. (“quote” from Spiritual Bliss)

Stretching Forward November 2019

The next retreat will be at Lakeside on November 8, 9 and 10 of 2019. A brochure is being completed and will be ready to mail shortly. Our home for three days will be a warm and inviting bed and breakfast. Space is limited. All rooms will be private, some with an attached bathroom and others with hall bath close by. Reservations are on a first come basis. Please email me with any questions you may have or to receive a brochure.

I look forward to meeting every unfinished woman ready to stretch forward.

November 2019

Consider joining us at Lakeside for an inspiring weekend.

Stretching Forward April 2019

Nine women attended the April Stretching Forward retreat from Medina, Newark, Avon Lake, North Ridgeville, Bay Village, Ohio and Falls Church, Virginia. The group found serenity and calm, solitude and fellowship. By the end of the weekend, all were ready to stretch forward as they returned to their lives enlightened and joyful for all the possibilities to come.

Comments included:
”I am so amazed at what you have put together. I have never known anyone who has put something together like this. I’m coming back.”

“I feel so fortunate to have been part of this retreat, from spending time in solitude and reflection to the companionship of the new friends I found over these few days together. I hope you continue your mission.”

“This retreat and the learnings have motivated me to work on taking a more active role in enjoying life more.”

“A satisfying, reflective experience.”

April 2019

Stretching Forward