reflections
When you can’t see the forest for the trees, remember that you are the forest and the trees.
This came to me as a gentle reminder from a friend on Twitter, on a night when I was struggling with questions. Always, the questions.
But it was the perfect answer in that moment.
And then another friend joined in, and it was determined that I am suffering from a bad case of wiggly spirit. And while I had never heard it put in quite those terms, I knew immediately that it was the best diagnosis I have ever been given.
It was the perfect description of how I felt at that moment.
It was fairly late in the evening, too late to call a friend, everyone else in the house was sleeping, and in truth, I was feeling a bit sorry for myself. Several other friends joined in the conversation, and then several more after I mentioned my wiggly spirit on Facebook.
Before I knew it, I was feeling much better. For me, this was social media at its best.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is bounce your thoughts, your ideas, your feelings, off other people. It makes you see that you are not alone, and can also shed a whole new light on the issue. A light that only finds a way to shine through discourse with others, because you just couldn’t find the switch in the dark, on your own.
I’ve never been very good at asking other people for help. It is one of my flaws. But on this night, these friends, people that I have never actually met “in real life,” understood that this was what I was doing and reached out their virtual hands. And I was grateful.
When I was looking for an image to go with this post, I came across this shot that I had taken of a reflection on my kitchen table. I’m pretty sure it’s a picture of my wiggly spirit.
And see that star? That is you all,
shining down on me.
I thank you.
April 17th, 2011 at 9:43 am
I didn’t see the star, until you pointed it out for me. That is how we all help each other; we point out what is difficult to see, and then we each see with eyes freshly washed by friends.
April 17th, 2011 at 10:19 am
i think wiggly spirits are actually ok, because they push us in new directions. the problem is, all that wiggling can be annoying at times…
social media at its best indeed.
xox,
/j
April 17th, 2011 at 11:35 am
SO SO SO Beautiful. This is what I love about social media also … I know many think it’s some kind of game or time waster, but for me, it has become the plug, the outlet, that allows me to tap into the brilliance of amazing thinkers around the world. I find so much comfort in it too. Thanks for describing that comfort so perfectly.
April 17th, 2011 at 11:36 am
Also, this is kind of along the same lines (and I meant to DM this to you because it includes on of your posts that I have bookmarked): http://frenchchristmas.typepad.com/french_christmas/2011/04/dear-bloggers-yes-it-matters.html
April 17th, 2011 at 11:51 am
i think if there’s something we all should have, it’s a wiggly spirit !
once again, another perfect saying for a t-shirt !
“stand back. i have a wiggly spirit.”
“touch at your own risk. a wiggly spirit lives inside”
xoxoxoox
April 17th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
Wiggly Spirit, love it, what a fantastic description.
I’m always amazed how people we’ve never met have the ability to lift us up during the dark times, encourage us, motivate us, connect with us in such a special way. Social media truly at it’s best.
April 17th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
a wonderful way to describe those times in life… sounds as if it was a lovely conversation ..so good to do!!
April 17th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
ah, the wiggle spirit. what an apt name for it. i know it well. i also how how great it is to have others help me find that shining light…
April 17th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
Sending love to my wiggly-spirited friend! Call me this week! 🙂
April 17th, 2011 at 9:13 pm
well, hello my fellow wiggly spirit. i know nights like this – i love ’em, i hate ’em. and you’re right about social media being a salve for wiggly souls. sorry i wasn’t on that night so i could join in. xo
April 17th, 2011 at 10:18 pm
That’s the best. Although I don’t understand what a wiggly spirit is, I can imagine it would be a little annoying to be going through. Nice that you didn’t have to be alone ~
April 18th, 2011 at 3:53 am
great photo
April 18th, 2011 at 6:23 pm
Hey you, i am in tears & that is not a bad thing ~ if it is then just toss me in the trash, now. Bet I find a way out. 🙂
You are the forest and the trees ~ why after 55 yrs is this such a surprise? & why have I chosen to box myself in to one or the other? One of our beloved friends put it so well – How can I forgive myself for not being perfect? Indeed.
wiggly Spirit, brilliant, my goodness it is one of the most uncomfortable feelings,ever…yet is this not what metamorphosis feels like?
I am not the same being I was before i started to really engage on Twitter=the kindness,support & welcome…the learning ,the stretching lessons, the freedom ,the love, the aceptance… I am grateful that I was brought here.
C’est Beau!
April 19th, 2011 at 11:29 am
I wonder if certain weather causes the wiggly spirit. Or, perhaps world events. . .just wondering. I get it too sometimes.