Possibilities Abound--: July 2023

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Serendipitous -- the unimaginable

"Serendipity" flickr photo by $hrink https://flickr.com/photos/shreyankg/7907443670

shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license

“Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.”

— Mary Oliver, Evidence: Poems

Note: There are way too many "I"s in this post, yet I wanted to be able to remember in years hence how keeping "some room in your heart for the unimaginable" has led me on a joyous journey, dedicated to my Gus.

A hole in my heart and soul, following my beloved Gus' death, I again tried to open myself to possibiltiies. It seemed that had been the story of my life, sensing some barrier like the tree in this image, then open to and embracing the serendipitous, always discovering something unexpected, that extended an invitation.

And it happened again when I read an OpEd in the New York Times by Bill McKibben about his new adventure in Third Act-- a movement for experienced Americans over 60 determined to change the world for the better. Such important good work around climate and democracy.

My initial opportunities to contribute as a volunteer were on the Training Team and in the Educators working group. I kept my head down, was all-in and found that when I was focused on Third Act activities, I just didn't feel my grief. My last post, On the Brink, pondered where in Third Act might I best continue to contribute to honor my Gus.

And since then, I've traveled an unimaginable, joyous journey as serendipitous opportunities appeared.

Never, never did I imagine--

On March 21,2023, also known as the Day of Action, 3.21.23, being out in the street in downtown Cleveland with a sign protesting Chase bank's investments in fossil fuel expansion with other Third Act Ohio supporters.

Participating in an All-in Call as part of a supporter highight (absolutely scared to death), and awaking 2 days later to find this linked in a newsletter.

Having an opportunity to support B in his quest as lead organizer of Third Act to activate and nurture working groups to thrive and create a larger impact around the Third Act mission. Learning when to let things go and to laugh and play just for the fun of it.

Serving now as "national volunteer" and "launch mentor" and meeting "experienced" Americans, who share the same fierce determination to have an impact and who lift up Third Act's working principles. They bring me greater hope, and much joy.

And, thinking there could be nothing better, and yet there was--

Traveling to Minneapolis at Third Act's invitation to meet face to face Third Act Minnesotans and to be a member of a team presenting in a workshop conference session all about Third Act.