It’s the end of the year, and I get introspective around this time.
I also get sad, but that’s another story.
When I was younger, I refused to get sad. I was a Pollyanna girl, sure that everything would turn out all right in the end. “I’m fine,” is our family mantra, and I lived that way a long, long time.
But I’ve been in a lost period for the last few years, trying to figure out who I am and what I want to be when I grow up. In the process, I’ve changed from Pollyanna to Eeyore. I’ve been whiny, critical, and gloomy, sure the next plane will crash or my business will fail.
Sometimes we’ll never figure out what sends us spiraling. But now, five years later, I’m grateful to be seeing the light. I love working on my presses, sharing time with my young students, and helping to run Water Street Studio. The other day, one of my students stopped by with a gift (pictured above). I was touched he thought to create a framed set of type, including the word “write” and my initials. Seriously, touched.
These days, I’ve learned how little I really can control in my life. But giving in to that helps me appreciate everything else so much more. Now I say, “What’s the worst that can happen?” And the answer is usually something I can live with.
I don’t know if I’ll ever be a Pollyanna again. Wedged where I am feels like a good fit-a little vulnerable, a little realistic, and a lot hopeful.
All righty, then. I have some wood type waiting for me, and my hands are too clean. Back to work.