This week I go for my Covid and Flu vaccinations – and it triggered memories – taking me back to a period in my life that brought about a lot of change.

It certainly was – a catalyst for change – and looking back – I wonder just how much that whole experience affected my thinking – perhaps in ways I didn’t fully appreciate at the time.

It was a hard time – coming hot on the heels of the death of my wonderful daughter-in-law – but in many ways it was also a time that taught me so much.

Louisa May Alcott put it this way – “Painful as it may be – a significant emotional event can be the catalyst for choosing a direction that serves us – and those around us – more effectively. Look for the learning”.

Life – as I knew it – came to a sudden halt – the usual routines disappeared – social contact was limited – and there was suddenly so much more time to myself.

I was forced to stop – given time to think – to actually look at my life – and to recognise those things that I had been involved in – and done – simply because it was what I had always done in the past – no longer held me – and that some things I had previously taken for granted – no longer felt the same.

I had the opportunity to be still – to ‘listen to my heart’.

I learnt how to meditate – to breathe – to hear the longings of my soul – and know the truth that – “In solitude there is healing – speak to your soul – listen to your heart. Sometimes in the absence of noise – we find the answers”

I rather like the idea that sometimes it is only when life slows down – that there is space to see things more clearly.

Perhaps that period of enforced stillness – was a catalyst for change – not necessarily a dramatic or immediate change – but a gradual shift in perspective.

I don’t think I had ever taken the time to question so much – or to even dare to ask the questions – or taken the time to listen to my own soul.

Life became slower – more gentle for me – in spite of the great upheaval of moving house – and learning how – not only to survive – but also – to thrive -as a new family unit.

The word ‘catalyst’ – is usually associated with something that causes change – but I wonder – if the catalyst itself is always obvious at the time.

This quote puts it like this – “By observing the miracle of life – all things become containers of beauty – and catalysts for our joy”.

Even the simplest of things – can – and have had – an impact on my life.

And – looking back -I can see – there have been events that have prompted many thoughts – and led to a different way of looking at life. People I have met – and even conversations the I have had – that have had a profound impact on me -and changed even the course of my life.

All of which causes me to pause -and to wonder – if I have had that privilege – to be a catalyst – in the lives of others.

I would like to think so – and so challenge myself with this quote – “Be a catalyst for change. A life artist whose inspiration is painted upon the souls of every single person you touch. Be the muse this world so desperately needs”.

Blessings – Lois