The World Is Your Oyster & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #10

February 14, 2017 / 65 Comments

Did you ever hear that phrase? It is one that I have carried with me for many, many years. There once was a very influential man in my life…when I was in my mid-twenties. I was going through a divorce. I was still trying to discover myself. I was trying to figure out the person whom I wanted to be. I was working full time and going to law school at night. I was driven. I was determined. I was spiraling out of control. Much of this period in my life is really just a blur. It is sort of unfortunate that I don’t recollect much of it. Or maybe not. Perhaps it is better that I don’t remember the crazy. The crazy that was me. And the havoc that I very possibly may have been unknowingly subjecting others to. Ah, it is in the past now and we have all moved on.

While I may forgotten a lot, I do remember this man. He was fifteen years my senior. He was my boss. He was my mentor. He was my support system. He became my best friend. And eventually because the crazy got to be too much even for me, we lost touch. However, I had the opportunity to meet up with him this past weekend in New York City. After twelve years. Twelve years is quite a long time. And so much as changed. For me especially.

We met for coffee and our meeting was brief because I had other engagements scheduled. While I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation and catching on topics such as family, kids, work, and people we used to know, an hour and a half just was not enough time to say all the things. All the things that I wanted to say. So I’m just going to say them here.

One phrase he always said to me was “The world is your oyster.” I think, at the time, I didn’t really understand. I was a child really. I was only in the early years of discovering myself. I had no idea what opportunities were out in the world. No idea at all. I worked in New York City and it was face paced. And I worked hard. And I worked long. And I had so much energy (if only I had half that energy now). I was young, single, without kids. My only obligations were work and fun. And boy oh boy, did I have fun. Probably too much fun. But maybe not. Maybe that is when a person was supposed to have fun. And I think he knew that. So he pushed me to work hard and to have fun. Things he did and said back then confused the hell out of me. But now…in hindsight…he really is a brilliant man and the things he did and said make so much sense now.

He encouraged me when I needed encouraging. He taught me when I needed learning. He soothed me when I was hurting. He calmed me when I felt crazy. He pushed me when I needed pushing. And he pushed me away when I needed to start figuring shit out on my own. And I’m pretty certain that pissed me off back then. But now, twelve years down the road, after I have, in fact, figured shit out on my own, I realize the genius behind what he did. And for that, I need to say thank you. Thank you so very much for knowing what you were doing when I had absolutely no clue. Thank you for making me stand on my own. Thank you for always doing right by me. And thank you for making me realize…finally…that world is indeed my oyster.

After this wonderful reunion, I hurried off to meet the fabulous Sheela Goh of Sheela Writes. And I must say this…she is even more magnificent in person. She is astoundingly beautiful with the most soothing accent and calming voice. But more importantly, she is so genuine and sincere and kind and warm and welcoming and smart. And funny. Quite funny, indeed.  Oh, how we laughed. Our time together was also harried due to obligations that Sheela had, but it was like we had known each other for years and we were just catching up. We couldn’t speak fast enough to fit in all the topics we wanted to discuss. We never missed a beat…not a moment of awkwardness was to be found. And I have to say that I left there feeling exhilarated. And without ever speaking the words, Sheela essentially has reaffirmed for me that the world still is my oyster. So thank you for that, Sheela.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Spending time with an old friend and a new friend on the very same day has left me feeling motivated and quite invincible…like I could conquer the world. Thank you both for being your amazing selves and pushing me to think beyond my own limits.  The world is my oyster.  And it is yours, too.

Outfit Details
Dress: Kohl’s Apt. 9 Ribbed Sweater Dress.
Polka Dot Top: StyleWe Zijue Crew Neck Bow Polka Dots Short Sleeve Blouse (No longer available in black. Only available in red.)
Boots: Charlotte Russe Qupid Drawstring Flat Over-the-Knee Boots in Burgundy.
Coat: Target.

Has anyone ever had that kind of impact on your life? Has a simple phrase carried so much meaning that it has stuck with you for a lifetime?

And now it is time to #SpreadTheKindness.

Your favorites posts from last week were…

Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood with her post Currently, February 2017.

And Kayte of Mass Musings with her post Comfort Is Key.


Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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