Author: Reena Saxena

This weeks prompt gave me much to think about. On the one hand, you could argue that as I am now retired aspirations as such no longer matter, employment-wise. It’s more about enjoying each day as it comes past.

So, I’ll look at each section and see what conclusions I come to.

Strengths: Resilience is one. Health issues can be debilitating at any time but when you are ageing the problem is exacerbated because you want a quality of life that will sustain you and allow you to exercise some of your goals, such as travel and relationship.

So, I combine that with determination. I listen to all of my medical people, and I determine to follow their advice based on their experience in their respective fields. I do so knowing some days I will fail miserably and when I do it’s about recognising not just the failure but…

When your place in this world
becomes too complex to contemplate,
and the origin of the grit in your eye
can no longer be placed,
it is best to meditate
on the inch of fine thread
that will lead you to the next step.

Take it one stitch at a time,
and don’t worry about
the final shape
of the finished piece.

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There is a time for forward planning; a time to set goals and work toward ambitious aspirations. There is also a time to focus only on the next small step, not trying to control or manipulate future events. Knitting has helped me to focus on the moment, and stop trying to force change. Right now, if I stay calm and trust the future to unfold gently, it is more likely to do so.

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Inspired by a ball of wool and Reena’s Exploration Challenge.

©Jane Paterson Basil