December 2021 – Colleen Keller Breuning

Presence

Presence

When anguish cuts like steely blade,
Anxiety and pain invade.
Those days when life becomes intense,
I am grateful for your presence.

Let’s seek our solace in the skies:
Gold and crimson winter sunrise,
Full moon fades to halves and crescents.
I am grateful for your presence.

You shower me with faithful love,
The greatest gift from God above.
Blooming in your warm spring essence,
I am grateful for your presence.

When anguish cuts like steely blade
I am grateful for your presence.

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2021
December 11, 2021

This Kyrielle Sonnet was written for the Instagram group @hergrowthcollective. The topic for 12/9/21 is “Presence.” Presence is the state or fact of existing, occurring, or being present in a place or thing. It can be a person or thing that exists or is present in a place but is not seen.

For me, the reciprocal presence of loving, genuine people in my life is one of the greatest gifts. I have been so fortunate to be surrounded throughout my life with family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors who really do care. I would never be where I am today without them, and I can only hope that I have also touched them. I am extremely grateful that I have maintained rich relationships with them over the years.

These meaningful relationships go both ways. To some degree, I am present in their lives, and they are present in mine. It does not have to be a physical presence, but rather in my heart and my mind. My adult children and my grandchildren live in Florida, and I try my best to be as present in their lives as possible through texts, messages and FaceTime when I am not visiting. The greatest thrill is being able to see them in person once again. It is so healing to the heart and soul.

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but try to choose one word to abide by or strive for during the year. In 2021, it was “calm.” Sometimes I did not do very well with that word, due to anxiety and stress. There were a lot of life changes and travel, so it was a great focus word for this past year. Perhaps “presence” will be my word for 2022, as I strive to be more present in my loved ones’ lives, savor each moment, and learn to let go of worrying about the past and future. What will your word for 2022 be?

xoxo
Colleen

Mood: Grateful
Inspiration: “No Surprises” by Radiohead

Sparks of Joy

Sparks of Joy

Soft
cuddles
blazing fire
tender kisses
watching snowflakes fall
by glow of Christmas tree
scent of pines and cranberries
taste of mulled wine upon my tongue
old Christmas carols fill the night air
bringing back memories from my childhood
past, present and future meld in my soul
each moment and adventure savored
grandbabies, travel, wine and love
my heart swells with gratitude
for the life we have made
forever as one
tears sting my eyes
and turn to
sparks of
joy

Colleen Keller Breuning © 2021
December 2, 2021

This Double Etheree format poem was written for the Instagram group @hergrowthcollective. The topic for this week is “What Brings Joy.” I believe that we can choose to experience joy every day, if we are willing to make the effort. Simply gazing at the sun beaming and reflecting off frozen pond waters is a joyous sight to behold. Even if there are clouds in the sky, the gentle pitter patter of rain on the roof brings comfort while nourishing the trees and grass outside.

Christmas and holiday seasons can bring out the best of all joys, though sometimes it can bring on sadness or melancholy. Remember this – the choice is yours. Meditate, think about all the blessings that you do have, and give thanks. Open your eyes and marvel at the simple beauty of the twinkling Christmas tree lights, or the candles on your menorah! No matter what life challenges you are facing at this time (and believe me, there can be MANY), make a commitment to yourself to seek out joy each day.

And here’s the really cool thing – YOU CAN BE THE SPARK OF JOY! Spread good cheer, give genuine thanks to the cashier at the grocery store, notice their name tag and SAY their name, wish them a happy holidays! Outside the store, put a few coins or bills in the Salvation Army kettle and give the ringer a big smile! You will feel your own heart swelling with joy…. it is contagious.

I’m not trying to be saccharine sweet, but really dig down into your heart and realize that despite all of your human wants and needs…. there is so much joy to behold in this world. Find it in your own life, and be that spark of joy. I wish you all a most beautiful and blessed holiday season!

xoxo Colleen

Mood: Joyful
Inspiration: Max Richter, “Dream 13 (minus even)”