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Beth T (BethOfAus)'s avatar

Well done! Acceptance is a true virtue. It is such a pleasure when something which used to cause angst suddenly doesn’t, when we realise that in the scheme of things, this really doesn’t matter at all! So funny that you never bought a new machine, but as you say occasional usage and good-enough results is Fine. It is certainly an interesting looking concoction! I’m sure they taste very yummy. And that helps too.

But I love the thought that maybe, just maybe, the acceptance comes from the abstract collaging. Your inner child now knows that apparent chaos can actually have positive results.

And I love those last words. ‘Allowing’ / acceptance…. Yeah, lovely concepts.

Thanks so much Stella. I hope you have a lovely week. 🤗🤗😘

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you for your words, Beth. Allowing and acceptance- It's been a lifelong lesson for me and so when transformation happens (even as small as a waffle maker), it give me a sense of peace and a way forward. Mary just had the right words, no?

You have a lovely week too!

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Alice Goldbloom's avatar

Great piece Stella. Allow what is. A powerful message. I think at a certain age we become better at it and we wonder why it wasn’t always this way.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Alice. That's so true. More transitions ahead as we age and a mindset of allowing what is makes the journey a bit lighter in mind and heart.

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Carina Kalaw's avatar

Allow = Accept. I'm not sure why this resonated with me but it did.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Malyn. I'm glad to hear that. Big, big hugs to you.

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Zachary Ayotte's avatar

Lovely, Stella. I used to teach a very slow relaxed style of yoga dedicated primarily to relaxing the body. A lot of students struggled with it at first. I would often tell them we are used to really working at something in order to see results; but in that practice the work was actually about not working—which is what I think can make it so hard. Your essay reminded me of that a lot.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

I'm glad to hear that, Zachary. "the work was actually about not working" -- that's so good. My attempts at meditation describes exactly that. And, somehow, a lightbulb just went off my head. Maybe i'll give it another go this time with a different perspective. Thank you!

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Jenny Reilly's avatar

Thanks for this beautiful thought on acceptance and the sharing of the reflection to "allow."

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

You're welcome, Jenny. I'm glad it resonated with you. Mary's words just sunk into me. And, the invitation to allow is a gentle entry point to acceptance. Hope you and your family are well!

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Susanne Helmert's avatar

Love the quote. And yes, collage teached me a lot about letting go, follow my intuition and listen to myself better.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Susanne. I'm so happy to hear your experience with collage. It such a gentle and welcoming art practice, isn't it? Here's to more collaging in the future.

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

I love that you're letting the waffle maker just be! That's such a lovely way to deal with its idiosyncrasies - fantastic!

I have to admire Tina for this: "...she always anticipated the worst by preparing a backup oatmeal bowl in case a fiasco ensued."

Yup. Always have a back-up plan....! 🤣

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Rebecca! Yup, Tina is way smarter than me. Either she has a plan B or she always allocates enough time to anticipate any mishaps or worse case scenarios. Comes in handy when we travel and get lost! You know what I mean

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

You're right - I know EXACTLY what you mean...!!! 🤣

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Mia Quagliarello's avatar

I bless the waffle machine for giving us that gorgeous picture of the waffle. ❤️ love this message of acceptance, thank you

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

You're welcome, Mia. I'm so glad it resonated with you.

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