December 19, 2011

Unthinkably Good Things.

When I was a child, Christmas was an enchanted time. The whole month of December resonated with incredible bliss. The anticipation, the decorations, the various traditions, the scents, my family - it all created a harmonious atmosphere which filled me with happiness.

I recall how unthinkable it was to me then that some could perceive this time so very differently. Those that felt loneliness and sorrow, for one reason or another. Those who felt excluded from this unified joy and for whom during the Holiday Season the world turned into torment and melancholy.
Thus, when I found myself celebrating one New Year's Eve all alone not that long time ago, I did shed a small tear realizing that I had to endure what I thought would never happen to me - being lonely and sad.

Today, within the walls of our warm and cosy home, one that exuberates safety and comfort, as I sit surrounded by people that truly love me like I was loved once before, I become slightly sentimental recalling all these moments in my past. Seeing the children with so much excitement and expectations in their faces, those memories of Christmas celebrations from my own childhood come streaming back. And yet again, that feeling of happiness and unity I once felt seems to fill my world.

Lady Fortune has finally granted me my wishes, those that I carried with me as dreams for what seems like an eternity. They are packaged slightly differently than I envisioned, yet they are my wishes indeed. Today I wonder why I had to reach this late age to finally find that which has been so elusive my whole adult life.
Perhaps our dreams can only be appreciated and savored fully when achieving them takes all that we have got. Perhaps we are to walk those lonely and difficult paths to learn those vital lessons that will become our old age wisdom. Maybe if I would have been granted all that I wanted at an early age, I would never have been where I am now nor would I have seen what I have seen. Additionally, I would have not appreciated what I have been blessed with so passionately and valued it so strongly. Maybe the best is worth waiting for.

To live fully is to dare.
We need an ounce of luck along the way of course, but the quality of our lives is at all times determined by our own actions, something that became very clear to me this year. Thus, as this very important period in my life is closing towards its end, I look back upon the past twelve months and feel thankful, blessed, excited and ultimately surprised. I feel reflective, amazed and endlessly happy.
But most of all, I feel fulfilled, as I am finally exactly where I want to be, even if it took me half a lifetime to get here.

The below clip contains one of the final scenes from one of my favorite movies entitled "Under The Tuscan Sun".  Today I feel the sentiments expressed within these images and words mirror my own life, as indeed - "Unthinkably good things can happen even late in the game..."

27 comments:

lilybets said...

...probably you were looking for something in a different form and now you are ready to accept that another form could make you more happy.It past away the time to be ready to feel happy !Sorry,It's difficult to explain in english.

Ruby said...

Good things come to those who wait! Very philosophical - but your post reminded me of the pleasure and joy you feel when you finally get what you want and the the waiting seemed much more worthwhile and in reality no time at all :) I love the last line. Cheers and Happy holidays!

S. Susan Deborah said...

I am glad and extremely glad for you and your family dear Zuzana.

I wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas.

Joy always,
Susan

Elizabeth said...

A lovely co-incidence happend. The film is uploaded on youtube, just hours ago!!!!

Enjoy the preparations for your big family christmas and your monday at the office!

Kath said...

It's the possibility of having a dream come true, that makes life interesting" ...

My favourite quote of all time.

Love to you and your new family, they are lucky to have you xx

Anonymous said...

It brings me such peace to read you Zuzana. Sometime it takes time for things to happen, maybe because we need to remember the many things we have forgotten, we need to loose what we have to understand what it means to us, we need to learn faith and patience, we need to see the light through the clouds.
I am happy you reach this place where Life is full of love. It is our ultimate destination, what we are born to attain. May you and your loved ones have a blessed Christmas, keeping in mind the ones who don't have the same chance.
Thanks for "Under The Tuscan Sun", it's one of my favourite and it gave the idea to see it again! Perfect timing!
Take care my dear.

Anonymous said...

Life unfolds. Some periods better than others, but certainly always better than someone else has had. Your happiness bounces off the pages of your blog these days. That in turn makes US happy. Cheers, Margie

Brian Miller said...

big smiles. we are resonating a bit today...i love christmas and its magic...and i am so happy you get these dreams and they may be a bit different than you thought but that makes them no less reall...enjoy them...i hope you and yours have a lovely christmas my friend...

Corinne Rodrigues said...

Yes,Zuzana life does have a way of surprising us...We long for something and just when we're ready to throw in the towel -there it is! I'm so glad you're surrounded by a loving family this Christmas...May it be a blessed one for all of you. ♥

Anonymous said...

I believe things happen when they are supposed to. And being alone makes us enjoy having someone even more. I think we are in similar situations, as my time came 3 years ago. Your time is now and it only gets better, my friend : )
Have a wonderful Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Such an inspiring post! So comforting to think that it's never too late...

Hoping you have a magical time in the loving arms of your new family.

bright star said...

I too think things happen when they are destined to. Have a wonderful Christmas and I love that film so much as well.
What a glam picture of you!

steviewren said...

How encouraging your words are to those of us who are still walking life's path alone. Maybe our day will come soon.

It is wonderful that you are so happy in your present situation. My Christmas wish for you is that each year will only improve this year's joy.

A Lady's Life said...

When you wish upon a star, Makes no difference where you are
Everything your hearts' desire will come to you. :)

sprinkles said...

I've been reflecting on the year too. It's been a year of loss for me -- losing my dad's ancient beagle whom I loved as my own, losing my father just two months later and the loss of my betta fish, Red, whom I never imagined I'd ever miss so much.

But it's also been a year of change. Change mostly for the good as I started school and a new job. I feel like I actually have a future now.

Rajesh said...

I am glad you are happy. You will never ever again celebrate Christmas and New Year all alone any more.

Bhushavali said...

A very Merry Christmas dear....
When I was a Bride's Maid...

Amanda Summer said...

i remember that scene in tuscan sun and love it too. such a powerful and positive thought - that good things can happen anytime!

i appreciate your words on gratitude, zuzana - so important to remember this.

sending you loving wishes for a very happy holidays and many blessings for a joyous new year♡

with love,

amanda

xoxo

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

Your beautiful and insightful words bring tears to my eyes Zuzana! I am so happy for you! What a Happy Christmas it will be for you and yours!
XOXOXO
Love,
Jill

SandyCarlson said...

How you touch my heart. I am glad you are happy. May this always be so for you and your family! Bask in the warmth!

Hilary said...

May each new year bring you at least as much happiness as this one has.. and no sorrow. I'm so glad for your joy.

Emily said...

I love that line, "to live fully is to dare" and I'm so glad you've finally found your peace.

Merry Christmas!

tony said...

Zuzana.You Have Had A Wonderful journey This Year.I Hope Both You & Your New Family Have A Great Christmas.X

Donna said...

I am so happy for you, Zuzana. Merry Christmas, my dear friend.

Hugs,
Donna

Ash said...

I'm delighted to hear this good news, dear Zuzana. Your happiness is definitely infectious - I feel thrilled after reading this post.

I wish you and your loved ones a fabulous Christmas!

Angela said...

I came over to you from Amanda`s, and I`m glad. What an interesting life you have had, born in the Tatras, via NC to Denmark! I love to read lines of thankfulness, and you sure can write beautifully! When i look back, I can also see how my wishes were fulfilled, one by one, and I am also truly thankful. Sometimes I was pushed into the right direction, sometimes things just evolved. But you are right, our own actions have an influence. I am so glad for you that you have a happy home at the North Sea now! Greetings from the Baltic Sea! Angela

Unknown said...

Never saw this film, but remember my brother sarcastically saying "Oh, I'll have to run out and see that one!" I am reminded of a friend of mine in her 40's who shall remain nameless. She will be in the next Olympic Games and says "Age is only a number". The "late in the game" line reminded me of her hopfeul observation too!