Contest Recap
Midlife Collage sponsors a weekly contest of midlife short stories. U.S. citizens and legal residents age 40 and older may enter. The Editor selects five stories for publication on our website each week. Readers leave comments and Facebook thumbs-up likes urging the panel of Judges to choose a contest winner. Readers also send the Judges their opinions of the best story on our Closing Arguments page. The contest period is Monday through Sunday noon PT. The first-place story enters the Winner’s Circle and receives a cash prize of $50. Winners of a $50 cash prize are eliglble for a $100 contest, which we run quarterly. See the Submissions Page for the Contest Rules for details. ANYONE, worldwide, age 18 or older can comment on the stories in a contest.-
Life, with its twists and turns, does not always present itself to our liking.
People come in and out of our lives for a reason. For those who choose to stay, I cherish them. For those who walk away, there is a reason, although sometimes I do not understand.
I do know that a diamond in our possession is a precious stone. In someone else’s, it is just a thing of envy. Being envious of something only brings ourselves discontent. Instead, we should be grateful for the things around us and let go of what slips through our grasp.
I am responsible for some of the things that have slipped through my fingers, others I am not. They are beyond my control. I wish I could have those moments back, when I was wrong, but in midlife, I am still learning and strive to fix what matters most. Sometimes I have a resolution, other times I do not.
I realize that in some moments of personal anguish, I speak or act hastily, hurting the people I love most and pushing them away. I will forever be a work in progress, and I make no apologies for that, rather I feel proud of the small accomplishments I continually make and strive for.
In the aftermath of my breakup, someone told me a tale of a woman falling off a cliff who, in despair, clung to a small branch, holding for dear life. In the darkness, she knew only to cling to that but in the light of day realized there was a ledge just beneath her feet that would catch her fall.
I am releasing my grasp. It only causes pain and stagnation. I know I will fall, but the duration of the fall will be shorter than I expect. I need to let go to release my pain and move ahead.
I will never say good-bye to my past; instead, I use it as a tool for learning. I do have a future. I know not what it will bring, but it will bring me both joy and sorrow. Joy to be savored and sorrow for lessons learned.
I will find a path and enjoy the journey. It may not be the journey I chose, but it is still my journey, yet with more twists and turns.
I truly believe you have a talent in writing. You just know exactly the words to use and in what context. I am very proud of you and hope that you continue on this journey, because I see it possibly leading to something very special for you.
Awesome! Very inspiring,
Excellent
Written with such emotion. Thank you for sharing.
I enjoyed this piece and the message it conveyed. I look forward to reading more of your publishings. I love the complexity of your style, and agree with Paula that you have talent.
I believe most of us can relate to your words. Just in case you don’t realize it, you are a strong, brave woman. You make me proud because no matter what your writing shows you are willing to share your heart. I love that about you!
I have survived divorce. I cover it with a bandaide of helping others. Somehow that helps with the festering wound. I liked your line where you said it may not be the journey I chose…for I remember saying, “Lord, why me, I never wanted divorce and the havoc it causes in the family?” On my walk I have learned He is always close by and my experiences have enabled me to see just truly how close He is in my life. We all react to the disappoints of life in different ways…for me this is the lesson I take with me on my walk. He is close by…with me.
Wishing you JOY!
Cindy, we are all works in progress and unfortunately, most things are beyond our control. That’s why we must learn to give everything to God. With Him in charge, things will always turn out the best for all concerned. This piece is beautifully written. I feel your anguish. God Bless You!
Actually “my words” are very lacking when I try to express the emotions I felt when I read your vignette. It is thought provoking and inspiring and I only hope and pray that i can come to the same conclusions during any of my life crisis that you have reached. Very inspiring!!