ties that bind

I slept later than usual this morning, reluctant to part from the company I was keeping between the sheets —

And yet.

Throw back the sheets, I eventually did —

Breaking company with an old flame — uh, ok —

More like an old —

Hot water bottle.

But — hey.

It kept me warm and I — I needed it.

Believe me, it was hell to let it go.  And, it didn’t happen overnight.   And, yes —

You know as soon as I feel the slightest chill —

I will want to reach for it.  Want to fill it to the brim with steaming hot water and jump back in the sack with it.

But — I won’t.

Nope — because this —

This is the year, you see.  And I’ve got a big strong —

Wind on my side.

A wind to push me away from the moorings and remind me every step of the way in 2009 that this is the year to —

Live free.

Oh, it’s a tall order I know.  And while I’m not lookin’ for someone to keep the shivers away, I don’t intend to go it alone.

In addition to my mighty wind, I am gathering people to me who understand that giving birth is supposed to —

Hurt like hell.

I’m talkin’ about friends who will hold your hands, wipe your brow and let you scream it out —

People who will stand on the other side and cheer you on when the slack in the rope is gone and you decide to tap your reserves and —

not just stretch the cord —

But snap it.

Yes, for me —

This is the year to sever the ties that have been binding me —

And experience true freedom of movement.

Freedom to roam and soar — and most important —

Freedom to return.