Yes Joan, we can lighten our loads and live more presently feeling a lighter sense of being. And, the process of grief isn't an easy journey, and it is for sure made heavier with anger and resentments. Learning what is yours to carry and what to drop and also which thoughts are true and easy to carry and which ones are harder to live with. All a process. Grief is love we carry - and we can decide how to live while doing it.

Joan, I like your visual of the jigsaw puzzle and how we are not supposed to be finished; but rather evolve continually. I was just telling a friend this morning, that we are supposed to continue to expand our minds, to learn new things and see life just a bit differently as we grow. I don't ever want to be finished. And, there is a cost to capitulating with everyone. The resentments build and keeping your thoughts/beliefs and feelings inside, unexpressed, is a building a time bomb. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Yes, feelings are feelings. None are better than any of them. We can learn from each. I loved this book. She explains how I was able to do what I did. I went with my insides. And, lots of the things I had believed and followed, were to be labeled good or to be accepted.

Thanks for your thoughts Joan and sharing. I agree our taste does change and what brings us joy - and it is okay to pass art along. And, yes I too have lots of photographs in our house. The more we get rid of the more I can see what I truly want. And, it feels good to let go. I love you too.

Thanks Judy, perhaps it is as we get older we get bolder and do what pleases our souls. We no longer care to pretend otherwise. And it does feel good to let go and clear out. Our home is our sanctuary and it should be full of what we love and makes our hearts happy. Yes we dance or we trudge; but we keep moving forward.

Thanks Judy. It is true "Life is a series of Losses". Whether it be by death or relationships ending. My heart just doesn't want to know - it is over - and that there was nothing there worth saving. That in order for there to be a relationship, we would have to re-work the old into a completely new pattern. And, you are right, I do have new relationships and new family in the here and now. I am glad you didn't erase and shared your thoughts with me. Thank you for standing.

Dear Joan, I love you too. I also know that your love of your son will never leave you. That in itself is a comfort. You truly will carry it with you always. I am glad you are receiving the support and love as you traverse through this time of parting. Many strong women stand with you. You are not alone.

What a beautiful friendship. It is so nice that you both get to spend time and lives together. And, it is an honor to be with someone as they near the finish line. Making memories to last a lifetime. How fun she is finding joy in the simple things today. I love that Mary Oliver line. Yes, what are our plans.

We miss the chatting during our Creative times - when we were all in the same room. Soon, we can meet and visit more!

In my experience - following what my heart and what I knew was right for me has brought me peace inside. It isn't easy to be a free thinker - coming from a religion where we all were taught to think alike. And, I discovered that much I was taught, was incorrect. In leaving, I found, a new self and saw the world with new eyes. I became a friend to myself and learned to love me. It is sad on many levels, that others are thinking - but unable to take a stand. That is a hard life to think and believe one way, and to act completely different. Thanks again for sharing.

Thank you for sharing. I too, am sorry for your experiences. I know what it feels like to feel on the outside or to be inside and no longer fit in. And, I too understand how it feels to be misunderstood when trying to help educate, or inform. Mostly we are teaching ourselves. It is hard to comprehend how they are abiding by so many church rules and then unable to follow a simple one. Each of us has to do what feels right inside. I am glad you are following your heart. This pandemic will be life changing - and it will not change things for the better for some - it will put them in a bad light. Thanks for being you.

Dawn, I am sorry you feel that silence is your safest way to be - for now. It is not easy to see the ideals friends have - and wonder about commonality after this. The difference between the two sides are so far apart, there doesn't seem to be a bridge between them. However, I guess that is our task, to find one. You will find the words - if you wait for the right ones to come to you.

Thanks again for your words Joan. I have never seen this church so political and in support of a leader as they are with Trump. And, it seems that he would be the opposite of what they would stand for - and it isn't just the First App, it is other even stricter religions. And, it is true about not being able to question or to be discerned - or to stand out differently; they are easily led. All in all, I hope this is a wake up call - and that there are consequences for those who did wrong.