I’ve been wanting for some time to change my main blog title, to better reflect the new phase of life/writing I’m in—a phase that’s about self-connection and authentic expression.
“Whatever the River Brings” reflected the more yin (passive/reflective) phase of life that roughly corresponded to my 30s—a phase of learning to hold onto equanimity in the midst of whatever the river of life brought my way.
Prior to that—in my late 20s—was my first blog, entitled “A Bringer of New Things,” which was very much a more yang [active/energetic] vibe of ambitious learning projects and the like.
Now that I’m 40, I find myself in a more centered space, where peace and joy come through authentic self-connection most of all.
(I do still have plenty of ambitions, including to self-publish a printed anthology for the poems of my “Whatever the River Brings” era, as I did for my “A Bringer of New Things” era before. I’ll let you know if/when I get that out.)
So, I wanted a new blog title that reflects the more personal writing I am wanting to reach for (as courage allows—that is the work!). Since I still love the river imagery too, I decided to keep it simple and just go with “Anna’s River.”
To me, this change reflects a mindset that the river of life is not just happening to me; I am actively experiencing it—and writing about it!
Thank you so much for being with me on this journey. 🩷
River Roundup
Section posts from the past week
🪷Serenity Splashes
a reminder for my inner child (who really likes sunflowers)
Reach for what you need like a seedling toward the sun. You’ve left the dark behind. Keep rising, little one.
reflections on control vs. consent
In a land of codependence, we've got blurry lines and creeping fingers in each other's feelings, trying to pull each other's strings-- the language of relating is control. Let's find interdependence land: we'll make consent our highest guide, each mind entitled to decide, separate, equal, side by side-- with mutual wellbeing as the goal.
a study
You get to Choose yes Or no, with No pressure or Strings attached--the end. Either choice is fine, and No one else can choose it for you-- This is what consent means, my friend.
for those who needed accommodation but got accusation instead
I know, little sprite-- you've been blamed and shamed just for being your magical self, dropping sparkles everywhere instead of hiding on your shelf the way they wanted. It's not your fault they didn't understand your heart. Let's find a way to help you heal and nurture your enchanted art.
Like midsummer's humid air, my self-doubt fog is dense today. Drops of shame stick to my skin; worry vapor enervates my mind. Have I screwed things up? Is So-and-so displeased with me? My spirit sags--I need a breeze of fresh, cool rationality.
Reflections on boundaries and co-regulation
When your inner waters are surging white, blinding and choking you fast, I'm here to reach a hand to you-- I don't mind getting splashed-- but I do mind when you try to drag me under with your blame, saying it was my fault that your flash-flood feelings came. The only waters I must tend are my children's and my own. I'm here to help you, but your river's care is yours alone.
🌀Divergence Deeps
Reflections on neurodivergence and self-doubt