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I’ve written before (probably ad nauseum) that 2024 is a whirlwind.
So far, I published my debut novel, Bread Pudding in Barcelona, co-facilitated a dream writers’ retreat in France, and earned my 8th degree black belt. I’m racing to the Next Big Things: finishing my second novel (final edits, cover and interior design, and marketing plan), traveling to Austin for black belt graduation in August and then back to Austin for a bachelorette party and another book signing event in September. I’m planning a wedding for October with a short honeymoon to Barcelona. I’ll launch book two of the Blooming Series, Something Will Sing to Your Heart, in November.
Boo-freaking-hoo. Whine much?
I’m keenly aware that I’m blessed, that this year is filled with magical and life-changing experiences. I’m also aware that I am at risk of missing out on all the goodness of such a year—that in my rush to finish up one thing, I race headlong to the next, barely taking time for a hasty thank you and a quick celebration. I’ve checked that box; what’s next on the list?
Because words matter, I’ve decided to embrace one in particular: Selah.
The Hebrew word appears 74 times in the Bible and is frequently translated as Pause or Stop and listen. I think I should tattoo it on my arm—or better yet, my heart.
We’ve all had years where beautiful experiences are few and far between, where the “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” are obvious and painful. We’re acutely aware of anything good because it’s in stark contrast to our misery. In times of abundance, though, we often fail to linger and admire the exquisite goodness of the gifts we experience. When we don’t pause, when we don’t stop and listen, magical experiences are reduced simply to nice days—easily forgotten or disregarded in the rush to jump to the Next Big Thing.
And so I am now ruthlessly insisting on a pause. I’m a little late for the first half of the year, but I’m forcing myself to remember minute details of moments that transcended happiness, moments that were pure joy. I’m now hiding those moments in my heart, tied up with the bow of gratitude.
The moment I saw the artwork for the cover of my book and burst into tears, overcome at the way my designer captured the very essence of the novel
The moment we decided to take the next big step in our relationship and rescued an adorable
menacepuppy we named JoeThe moment my fiancé looked into my eyes and asked me to marry him, pledging his love and fidelity in front of my sons and my sister and her family
The moment I opened the first box of my books and read the dedication to my late mother
The moment the two friends who pushed me to finally publish my novel flew from Texas and one friend flew from Massachusetts to help me with my book launch
The moment my sister stepped out of my fiancé’s car in St. Augustine, surprising me by flying out for my launch event
The moment I stood on the broad lawn of an ancient château in the south of France, gazing into the midnight sky with one of my dearest friends, searching for the northern lights
The moment my writer friends and I delivered homemade bread pudding to the village café—and then felt giddy at the empty bowls as our French guests enjoyed the dessert américain
The moment I received my black belt from my great grandmaster
The moment I shared with my head instructor (and dear friend) after we received our belts and he asked me to honor him by tying his on
And…the countless times over the past six months when friends around the world loved me, encouraged me, challenged me, and pushed me and made all these moments possible
Good times remain only that—good—when we fail to pause, when we neglect the discipline required to stop and listen. Through the alchemy of Selah, the good times we experience become so much more. They become transcendent joy, eternal gifts that we tuck away in our hearts, precious memories that continue to feed our souls.
I have experienced disastrous, soul-crushing years. The death of my dear mother, the revelation of my then-husband’s multiple infidelities, the near destruction of my business, and financial ruin. I’ve lost marriages, beloved pets, friends, and family. I’ve suffered health crises and layoffs. Some years are better left behind.
But this year is different. The second of half of 2024 looks to be as magical as the first, and I am determined not to miss a single moment of joy. I have no doubt that there will be challenges ahead—life abounds in ways to derail us. But I pray I will not fail to savor the beauty of life ever again. Precious moments are just that—precious. They are meant to be cherished.
Where can we stop and listen? Where can we pause to fully recognize the exquisite beauty of life? In a world where so much is hard and ugly and painful, can we not take the time to appreciate the good?
Take just a moment, friend. Selah.
My goodness friend.. this is beautiful. Selah, Selah indeed. I am so happy for you, and again so encouraged by your words.
Beautiful word “Selah”. And what a wonderful year you are having! I’m so happy for you Cindy❤️💐🌈