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Saturday, 28 November 2015

A new engagement...


It was unplanned, unexpected and spontaneous but a really noteworthy experience.  Friday evening and I was on time for my 5 p.m. appointment as usual…an appointment I dare not miss - one hour of uninterrupted time to share my secrets, to give another human a glimpse into my life as I try to make sense of the calamity that erupted some time ago.

As the hour went along, a simple enquiry lead to dinner, movie and coffee! An enquiring mind asked what was my plans for the evening…and without hesitation I replied “heading home to sleep”, he laughed and said “you see, we now talking about that, let’s go get something to eat and see a movie”   I hadn’t done this in a while…so dinner and a movie it was!

For the first time in as long as I could remember, I allowed myself to be led by a stranger turned friend due to circumstances.  For the first time, I would engage my friend outside of a professional setting and likewise with him.  Would it be uncomfortable I wondered? Would there be awkward moments of silence?

Dinner was simple and perfect because the location didn’t matter when stimulating conversations were being had, laughter present and memories being created.  We talked about life in general, past experiences and he even shared his secret to how he select his lotto numbers (which shall remain a secret!)

The choice of movie was a no brainer:  we got to the movies and decided the recently released 007 movie – Spectre was the best option.   

The level of uncertainty that exist when you surrender to being led by another can be scary and nerve wrecking for someone like me,  who functions best with a plan….but this semester has been all about coming out of my comfort zone and experiencing new things.  As simple and as insignificant as this unexpected experience was it provide a platform to reintroduce myself to a degree of social activities.  Since then I’ve been to see two other movies, started the gym and paid for my costume for Carnival. 

I think I’m on a roll…don’t you?

Me and my poetry...

Poetry I thought always required flare, finesses, being poetic and having a rhythm.  I thought to be able to write poetry you had to have a super creative side, have a love affair with words and music and be able to share an idea, thought or concept in a unique way.  So to say that I was intimidated when my colleague approached me to do a collaboration using poetry, for part of this course assignment, would be an understatement.  What I came to understand the essence of poetry to be is expressed below...I think it sums up perfectly the essence of poetry!


I’m happy however, that I was brave enough to try it simply because it open me up to sharing my thought and emotions in a way I have never dare to before.  Initially, the fear had kicked in, I struggled to find a start…an idea that I can turn into a poem…then to get the words to flow! My first crack at this I came up with literally four lines before frustration took charge and I threw in the towel.
To my amazement I came home one evening after work and it just flowed out of me…the words just came one by one….and in a matter of 15 minutes I had completed my first Poem.
Thank you Cheryl to opening my eyes to poetry and encouraging me to remove yet another barrier.
Here’s my Poem…let me know what you think!

 
New Experiences

A simple hello creates new experience

A smile opens possibilities

A stranger becomes a friend

And so a new experience begins…

 
A new experience brings with her new possibilities

The excitement of anticipation

A chance for something grand

A chance to un-luck your fears

 And embrace with open hands

 
A new experience brings with her new possibilities

A chance to be daring

A chance to bare it allTo be scared and excited all at once

A chance to be free

 
A new experience brings with her new possibilities

A chance to open new doors

A chance to go beyond the ordinary

Unleash the inner you

To un-luck potentials unknown

 A chance to grow

 
A new experience brings with her new possibilities

That forces you to challenge you

And visit places unknown

To uncover a different version of you

And go beyond your comfort zone