Journaling nurtures inner strength

March 3, 2022

Sitting at my desk, I struggle to write this opening blog. The humanitarian tragedy in the Ukraine caused by Russia’s invasion weighs heavy. This, following a traumatic two years (at least) of painful divisions, a world pandemic, unprecedented heat dome, wildfires, floods, all amidst a growing climate crisis.

What nourishment, solace, hope can I offer in such trying times?

I drag myself outside into the grey, cold morning for a walk knowing nature restores and rebalances me. Seeing my 85-year-old neighbor, Leeloo, talking to another neighbor I march by with a ‘friendly hello’ hoping to escape. I know Leeloo will want to talk. I hear her gravelly voice behind me, “Slow down. I’ll walk with you.” I turn to face Leeloo, mustering generosity of spirit as I know I am being called to do so.

Inevitably our talk turns to the war being forced upon the Ukraine. Leeloo says, “I cried when I heard of the invasion of Ukraine. Their terrible loss brought back my memory as if it was yesterday. As a young woman I fled Germany with a suitcase in one hand and a baby in my other arm.” As in her day, she again fears there is nothing to stop the spread of war.

Leeloo tells me she wrote her story for her children and grandchildren from the journal she kept all her life. Her eyes light with deep knowing as we speak of the inner strength built through a lifetime of journaling. Leaving Leeloo, I walk to the top of my neighborhood hill, marveling at my serendipitous conversation with her.

The very conversation I’d sought to avoid - affirmed journaling nurtures an inner strength that helps us through our darkest hour.

My meeting with Leeloo reminded me of the gifts given to us if we are willing to be open. That moment – and only for a moment – a ray of sun burst through the grey cloud illuminating all.