There is loss in growing older. But if you can manage not to cling your hands will remain open, ready to receive new gifts of contentment, wisdom, and depth of soul.
~ William Martin
(The Sage’s Tao Te Ching: Ancient Advice for the Second Half of Life)
Oh, Barbara, I love this quote! I smell a favorite scent of carnations over my sweet coffee. This brought fond memories of my mother who would always place a mint chocolate on my pillow and 2-3 carnations on the bedside table when I went to visit overnight.
I have saved your blog post in my phone notes to remind myself of this when I’m feeling too alone or closed. I will add a small bouquet of carnations to my shopping list for this weekend.
Do you have flower favorites scents that reminds you of your beloveds?
How I love this quote! It’s such timely advice for everyone, not just those in the second half of life. A closed fist and heart prevent us from seeing and welcoming the gifts yet to come our way. And I, too, love carnations. Their sweet smell always reminds me of college.