Tell Me Something Good
When life rattles my timbers and storms down hurting so hard
that my peace gets swallowed up in mudslides of un-helpful thinking,
it’s become just shy of muscle memory, this practice,
that throws open the windows of my heart
and lets the bad air out.
It started years ago while driving down the road with my husband,
the silence between us thick with a heavy worry.
I squeezed hard on the wheel and breathed aloud “tell me something good.”
He laughed and offered something – I don’t remember what.
Then I dug in and hurled into the space another something true – something balm to my heart.
Out louder – back and forth – we lobbed truth until the atmosphere
shifted and our thoughts settled into a clearwater place.
It became a thing,
sprung up maybe from a practice I’d been cultivating
of having a sit with God over whatever was brewing in my brain.
I’d get quiet, drop down to that still place inside, and begin to write out
whatever bubbled up from the deep.
Sometimes what landed on the page felt like gift and gold;
going back over the pages years later still feels like superfood for my soul.
So I have a big love for this practice.
Most of what I write comes from this place.
(big distinction between this rivery process and toxic positivity,
which feels like death
and doesn’t seem to grow a thing.
Like malnourished dirt.)
Been growing up in my garden these past years
and feels ripe and ready to harvest.
I want to tell you something good,
to splash hope and healing all over bites of art soaked in love
and send them straight to the heart of you
where coals of hope may need breeze to flow brisk across the embers
until you’re standing up taller inside yourself,
and feeling more seen, more included,
more brave in your breathing
for the deepest and dearest that you dare to dream.
Oh how I want to acknowledge you,
to tap into the big and seeing Love that sings over you sweet
and let it pass through my paints and pens and poetry,
then pass you the love-note
across the great big wide.
To let it land in your box like a gift from your future
calling back that the view from up ahead
is something that you’re gonna want to see
so lean into the wind
and hold tight to
the Love –
that you’re held,
and valued
and seen.
To hold the door for you to feel it, bones and breath,
that this Love is looking and listening
to the faintest thought and thump of your heart;
that there’s no indifference to your place and pain.
To pass a note of warm embrace
and to hold space for the journey that is exactly and only yours.
With love and celebration.
(happy whisper)
Tell Me Something Good
– also the title of my book in the works
and looks to be available by Christmas.
“First I would write for you a poem
to be shouted into the teeth of a strong wind.”
– Carl Sandburg
I’m offering up these Tell Me Something Good bundles in my etsy shop,
and in a giveaway this week;
leave a comment and you’re in the hat:)
I’ll be sending a bundle out to Rebecca this week from last post’s drawing – geesh sorry it’s taken so long!
Always thanks for coming around and acknowledging.
I appreciate your presence here.
A book? From you? That most DEFINITELY falls into the something good category. Something excellent in fact.
When I am drowning in overburden I turn to nature for solace. She is the best of artists, with the most sumptuous palette and spectacular galleries.
Heartfelt hugs and oceans of caring are flowing your way. Always. I am so grateful that Ginnie and Marcie led to me to you.
Yes, so much yes, to the artistry of nature. She channels genius:)
Thanks for those oceans – I feel and always appreciate.
Ginnie and Marcie – I’d forgotten how and when. I love that.
Big thanks for your kind words,
Jennifer
I can’t WAIT!
Happy shiver – me too:)
Thanks so big to you,
Jennifer
I love your practice of “Tell me something good” Only good can come out of such a practice. I love it.
I’m sending you a note of warm embrace.
Hugs, Julia
Feeling that – thank you:)
Big warm hugs back,
Jennifer
I love this. We have a TV anchor (she’s retired now, but was there for years) and that was the title of one of her regular segments for the longest time. She would find wonderful things and no matter how bad the news was, there was still a little light at the end of it. I love that you are practicing this all the time. And that you are doing a book. How special and truly lovely!
Yes, always the light; the darker the dark, the sweeter that light.
Tell me something good – can’t tell you how many times a day my heart belts it out, Chaka Khan style:)
Thanks for your kind share, Jeanie,
Jennifer
I totally believe in this. “What you focus on expands.” I can’t wait to read your book!
Yes. And we expand to hold it. Thanks for your encouragement, Barbara!
Thinking about you in Texas – protection and peace.
– Jennifer
Such beauty and wisdom in your words.
Thanks dear Fi:)
Love to you and the goldens:)
– Jennifer
Beautiful works as always Jenny! I remember when we we were kids and Mom would say if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all. I guess we were fussing about something between us(siblings) that we didn’t like or agree with. I have always thought that was a good thing to remember. WhooWho!! You are writing a book!! Good luck with that my sweet cuz!!!
I loved those days when we lived across the street from my smart, stylish cousins:)
The chains you made with gum wrappers, the way you ironed your hair, the Beatles, the bellbottoms,
the late night runs to Ridgewood and Ice Cream Creations:)
Gosh you guys lit up my life:) I loved you then and I love you now:)
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your beautiful heart,
Jennifer
This one gave me the chills…and the feels! Thank you for always uplifting me with your honest words. I especially appreciate the line about “toxic positivity.” There IS a better way out of those hard, dark places, and your soul-sprouted words light the path.
So grateful to hear something landed in a life-giving way.
I love the way you read – like a good writer does:) It encourages me big when you say:)
Always love,
Jennifer
You have been something good in my daily life that I am oh so thankful for and I send you blessings and strength for your fantastic upcoming projects xoxo
Same! Thanks for your encouragement – I’m in the thick:)
I appreciate you big,
Jennifer
How exciting! A book!!! Can’t wait!!!!
xoxo
E
Yes:) In the thick.
I’ll say more soon and big love and thanks:)
-Jennifer