It has been a rainy day today. Rainy days have some kind of quietness that moves me inward. I love reflective moments that deepen my awareness of something even if I struggle with the words to express it all.
I passed an incredibly wonderful weekend with my classmates of 50 years ago. Can you believe that it was fifty years ago that 89 young single women (key words there because in those days you could not be married and you could not be male in most nursing programs) walked the stage of Convocation Hall in Toronto as graduates of St Michael’s School of Nursing. It seems impossible. We come together as though time had not passed. In fact it is an example of timelessness. An example of how time is something we only make up to explain change but in reality it does not exist because we simply reconnected as though nothing had changed.
Some of us shared how the bond created back then when as young innocent young women we came together and experienced life and death in ways that we had not realized could happen before. It was a growing up time and definitely a time of spiritual awakening that affected all of us forever.
We realized that we had become different. Not just more grown up. Not just more knowledgeable. But unique in our commitment to caring and to personal growth.
Some married soon after graduation and some did not. Some stayed close by and others moved great distances, exploring a world far greater than the city where we studied. And this past weekend, about 54 of us gathered together again, loving each other, caring about what struggles we had all experienced and marveling at how we had come through them and continue on. I feel so blessed.
I was a shy little girl way back in my early childhood. The teachers always had to tell me to speak up and when we had to do our speeches I was terrible. Scared silly. It took me a while to develop confidence. The nursing program helped me open up. I learned more about myself in the process. Some people said that I was “university material” and should have gone there but for me, I needed that time at St Mikes in order to be stronger within. I was much more able to handle University when I went there after working a year on Surgery at St Mikes. Sometimes everything falls into place over time if you just let it. It falls into place just as it should.
If that little shy girl from my elementary school days me the older adult that is me now, I wonder what she would have thought. Would little Marie recognize the me that is here now? Interesting questions. Would the child and the older adult enjoy each others company? I think they would.
Life is good. I enjoy contemplating life. I suppose that is why I so love offering retreats such as Self care — Soul Care. It is all connected. It is who I am.
I still have two spots left in the retreat. Are you interested? It will be an inspiring weekend. You will get to spend some time with some very neat people. Women who are probably a bit like you. Give it some thought. Give me a call and we can talk about it if you like. You are unique. Join us to share your uniqueness and strengthen who you are as you work to inspire others. Nervous about coming alone? Find a friend or relative to come with you. Learn more about it here
Namaste,
Till next time
Marie
Tagged: growth, healthy choices, intentions, M Knapp, Marie Knapp, Owen Sound, personal growth, Reiki, retreat, self-care, spirituality, wellbeing
