A Few Reflections – September 2025
September
My longtime readers know that I tend to make a fuss over my birthday. I want to remind you that it isn’t about the cards, phone calls, emails, etc, even though they are always appreciated. What it is really about, first of all, is the privilege to have another birthday. Secondly, the fact that I am still standing and can be useful. My age isn’t a big deal either.
What I see year after year is that anything can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of age. We do our best, yet that doesn’t guarantee the outcome. When we do our part, we influence the quality of our everyday life, but we don’t have control over prevention or cure, although we tend to think we do. However, our efforts are never in vain, since they make us stronger and more resilient to face whatever comes our way.
So, here I am again, with another birthday in full view, and I am filled with gratitude and the sense of my good fortune, knowing full well that this won’t always be the case. Poet Jane Kenyon says it best, and although I recently posted her poem in May of this year, I want to do so again.
Otherwise by Jane Kenyon
I got out of bed
on two strong legs.
It might have been
otherwise. I ate
cereal, sweet
milk, ripe, flawless
peach. It might
have been otherwise.
I took the dog uphill
to the birch wood.
All morning I did
the work I love.
At noon I lay down
with my mate. It might
have been otherwise.
We ate dinner together
at a table with silver
candlesticks. It might
have been otherwise.
I slept in a bed
in a room with paintings
on the walls, and
planned another day
just like this day.
But one day, I know,
it will be otherwise.
Forget Perfection
Give up on (trying to perfect) yourself. Begin taking action now, while being neurotic or imperfect, or a procrastinator, unhealthy or lazy or any other label by which you inaccurately describe yourself. Go ahead and be the best imperfect person you can be and get started on those things you want to accomplish before you die.
-Masstake Morita, M. D.
Beauty
The humble tomato, grown in a backyard garden, harvested at its peak, beautiful to look at, and devoured with relish. I love this photo. Thanks, Rob and Allison.
Regrets
When I reflect on my life, I definitely have regrets, and I wouldn’t want to forget them or overcome them. Firstly, I have let loved ones down, caused hurt to others, sometimes unknowingly and sometimes stupidly, and I would never want to forget that. Secondly, I made some decisions that hurt me, and I regret those. These same regrets, however, serve me well now. Those times when I used poor judgment are a reminder that when I am disappointed in someone else, I, too, have caused trouble to others. This allows me to bring the awareness of my past mistakes to the situation at hand and, oftentimes, helps me to be more understanding of our fallible human condition.
Life for me is an ongoing learning experience, and I am more frequently awestruck at the mystery of it all. I see myself as having had stepping stones, helping hands and signposts at every fork in the road. My life has been and is filled with good people who have generously and graciously overlooked my shortcomings, encouraged my strengths and gifts and who accompany me on this great journey with laughter and joy and love and support of all kinds. I cannot see how it could get any better.
And in the here and now of today, my experience still consists of the making and breaking of vows, starting again, never giving up, noticing those others who “get it” for this one moment now, and admiring their courage, (my own too when it happens) while experiencing the indescribable joy of simply being able to live this perfect life imperfectly. Is this not contentment: a life that thankfully can contain everything, including both joys and regrets. May it continue for us all, for many, many moons.
Notes
1:) There is a golden thread linking past, present and future together. Today, I am the cumulative experiences of all that has gone before; some things I liked and some I didn’t. Yet, here I am, and I don’t want to trade places with anyone else. I live with my regrets and try not to repeat them. And I look forward to my future.
2:) Thank you, Begga for the flowers – Begga is a friend from the Netherlands, recently in Vermont.
3:) “I know now, after 50 years, that the finding/losing, forgetting/remembering, leaving/returning never stops. The whole of life is about another chance, and while we are alive, till the very end, there is always another chance.: Jeanette Winterson
4:) Thank you for reading my blog. A deep bow to you all. Best wishes, Trudy
Lovely reminder Trudy. Not sure when your birthday is but bless your day and all your days to come. The world is a happier place with you in it. Love
Thank you dear Pat. I have been spoiled with kindness and you are one of those dear people, doing the spoiling. I had a lovely birthday. Warmest wishes, Trudy
Dear Trudy, Deep appreciation and admiration and thanks to you for your giving heart and thoughtful responses to our everyday lives.
Bless you, on your birthday and always, forever.
Thank you dear Karen. All blessings gratefully received. Big hugs across the miles, Trudy
Happy Birthday month, Mom!!! I love you to the moon and back, and look forward to celebrating the month with you 🙂 xoxoxoxox
Ok. You are the best daughter that I could ever have.Love you lots, Mom
Happy Birthday Trudy.
Many thanks for your great posts and gentle wisdom.
Thank you. dear Mary.You are most kind. The Arboretum is calling. Best wishes. always, Trudy
Happy birthday and everyday dear Trudy. I so agree that birthdays are meant to be appreciated and I look forward to celebrating yours!! big love xoxo
We had a lovely morning together. dear Janice, and once again I thank you for waving me on. As always, Trudy
Dear Trudy, I’ve never met anyone who enjoys their birthday as much as you! I’ve told many people about celebrating for a month and they are in awe. So enjoy this year … enjoyed this post! Thanks Mary
Ah Mary. I am determined to get to you beautiful island next year. Thank you! Warmest wishes, Trudy
Happy birthday month Trudy. May it be full of joyous breakfasts, dog walks, flowers, awakening with loved ones – everything that brings you joy and meaning xxxxxx
Lots of lovely wishes coming from you dear Helen. Many many thanks. I hope our paths cross again one day. Warmly, Trudy
Happy Birthday month dear Trudy. I hope it’s filled with fun and laughter and everything you love.
You deserve it!!
Thank you dear Sheila. Not sure about the deserving part, but I am grateful for the wonderful month of September and all the kindness coming my way. Enjoy your travels. Biog hugs, Trudy