By Jan Morris

You have stepped out on a limb.  You have made a choice to travel many miles, far from familiar, family, childhood, home.  You have made this choice to grow, to make improvements upon yourself with a vision of a foundation for your future.  Here you are…meeting new friends, finding new comforts to call “home”…for now.  But the home back home is calling you.

When sadness befalls you, when your heart aches for someone who knows you well, when memories are not enough, dig out those photos you brought along, or find new ones online, cuddle with something familiar, get back to you.  Fill your heart and senses with joy and gratitude for what and who you left behind.  Bring your mind back to that place.  Lift yourself there and sense the love, not sadness, that fills your heart.

Feel yourself floating in the newness of where you are now.  Let this new adventure fill you with excitement rather than fear.  You are stretching your wings and finding new places in your heart to put things.  Keep the memories in your back pocket as you take flight to get an aerial view of your future, the big picture that expands before you.  Sadness closes you in, excitement for what lies ahead opens you up for growth, change, expanded capacity for love.  All is well.

One day at a time, as they say.  There are many who love you and wish you well, wish the best for you.  Feel their support beneath you as you soar.  Your heaviness will lift and they will rejoice in the knowing that they assisted in your first flight as they lovingly await your return.

You will find our own way as sure as the wind that carries you.  Follow the lead of your heart for it knows the pulse of the life you have chosen that began…out on a limb.

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Donna Henes is the author of The Queen of My Self: Stepping into Sovereignty in Midlife. She offers counseling and upbeat, practical and ceremonial guidance for individual women and groups who want to enjoy the fruits of an enriching, influential, purposeful, passionate, and powerful maturity. Consult the MIDLIFE MIDWIFE™

The Queen welcomes questions concerning all issues of interest to women in their mature years. Send your inquiries to thequeenofmyself@aol.com.