For years, Truck has written everyone very long and (rambling) beautiful birthday notes. It is his “thing” and for years I have told myself to write him notes in return. That’s his love language. He loves writing, he loves being written to. Some years I would. For a long time, I simply had no capacity to even think about writing a long note. Plus, my giving love language is funny, cute, and perfect Hallmark greeting cards for people.
But Truck is my reading buddy. My “let’s go hide and not talk” buddy.
Also my writing buddy #nanowrimo #ftw
I’ve wrote him a letter last year and I really was trying to write him one this year and be consistent about it. It did not work before his birthday. It’s 10 days past his bday at this point and we already had his party. But I persevered.
Honestly, it’s the challenge for me too. And I sat down and wrote him in about 30 minutes – and it was so satisfying. And such an accomplished feeling.
And of course, no piece of writing is complete without the perfect quote. I searched through quotes for a few minutes and really enjoyed this one but it just clicked for me when I found the perfect match to link it to.
And that’s really the satisfaction in writing for me. That “click” or “flow” of hitting something you so enjoy reading back and knowing you have encapsulated exactly what you wanted to portray.
Of course, I can’t let a good piece of writing stay in one spot. I always end up trying to repurpose or share in other areas that will feel satisfying. So I’m posting here to remember the feeling of sitting down and feeling accomplished in writing this morning.
**
Truck,
This year has been a year of unexpected twists and turns. Looking back at my photos, which are my reliable record of the year, I’m reminded that it’s been a rollercoaster. While filled with joyful moments and funny memories, the pictures also remind me of some challenging times.
That’s not to say it’s different from any other year, but the highs were high and the lows, fairly low – so maybe more of a higher-impact rollercoaster.
When I think of YOUR birthday (and the wise, sage advice you give), I think of the stories you like to tell in our birthday cards. Sort of a rambling in nature, which I do appreciate, since I’m a rambler so I know you will appreciate it too. Where we are going? No one knows, and that’s okay.
Never mind my highs and lows… but when I think of where they intersected with you, I’m reminded of your labyrinth that you worked so hard on. I can imagine – because we had a few discussions about it – the lows of the project: getting all those lines right was insanity, and seeing your different versions was eye-opening. What a fascinating project that was, I so enjoyed hearing about your journey with it. I know the high of the finished project hasn’t been reached yet, but the journey to get to where you are has – seemed – to be fulfilling, and you have learned a lot. Which I feel is a major part of the satisfaction you (and people?) feel when accomplishing something.
There is a quiet feeling to being fulfilled. I’m not sure where the best essence of it comes from, but maybe from the self-acceptance of your own abilities and accomplishments. It’s a growth in confidence, a peace from knowing you’ve done your best, and appreciation for the opportunities and challenges that came from the whole thing.
I’m glad you got to dive into that project and make it your own. You sharing your hardships and challenges was valuable to me, and I assume to others. It was the ability to connect with you in something that you felt pride in working on, and that was valuable to me to peek into your life and feel pleasure in knowing you were happy working on it. And maybe “happy” isn’t the right word there: tortured – frustrated – amused; are all other possible word choices!
I feel both of us enjoy the struggle sometimes. It’s not always fun. It would be lovely if things just dropped in our lap, but where would the fun in that be? Where would the accomplishment be?
And I must say, I do enjoy the feeling of accomplishment, and I think you do too.
Happy birthday!
(Sorry this is late… #reasons)
“Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.” – Oprah Winfrey
