When I was in mid-Oregon recently, in the high desert, I discovered some of the plants there have such deep roots. When it goes over a hundred days without rain and is above 100F degrees, that makes sense. I was weeding an area there at my daughter’s family’s home when I decided to take out this ragweed type plant, that was covering a gorgeous volcanic rock. I tried to pull it up with my hands. Yeah, right! So I went and got a shovel. I dug and dug, all around it. Five minutes later, I got it out. The root turned out to be over a foot and a half long, very thick at the top.
Then I noticed all the sagebrush blown everywhere. No way was the wind going to get this ragweed up either.
What does uproot us?
Family. Jobs. Tragedies. Marriage. Children. Military service. Divorce. College. Illness. Escape. Discontent. Dreams. Religion. Weather. Restlessness. Lifestyle.
Seeking meaning?
What has uprooted you?
How many times?
How far? A few miles? Another state? Another continent?
Fascinating as we review our choices, isn’t it? When and where were we rooted deeply, then again, when and where were our roots slim and ready for transplanting? For me, there were times I did not understand what was going on around me, why people were doing what they were doing. Which way the winds were blowing.
Right now, I am firmly rooted, yet not deeply. Where will I be in five years? I don’t know. Yet I don’t lose any sleep over it. Learning to sense when my roots are deeply implanted and when they are not has helped me a great deal in the last few years. When to let go and move on has taken me a long time to understand and then give myself permission to do so.
My, oh my.
Thanks for reading. Merci beaucoup. Let me know about your roots~
Yup, my book, When I Was a Rock Star is on Amazon in paperback and ebook.
Michele Ohge
November 19, 2024 at 6:17 pmDear Mary,
Interesting how your story shows up when I am not content with my roots. I am feeling that I have forced my roots down and told myself that I must be rooted to where I am and that nothing should/ could move me. But I now feel that I have trapped myself. I wonder if I could “dig up” enough root that I could transplant myself and if new roots would grow.
Such are the ponderings of an over-thinker and someone who is feeling completely overwhelmed.
Blessings to you! Michele (aka Chele)
Mary
November 19, 2024 at 6:27 pmWow Chele! Great questions to ask, then listen to your intuition! So glad you read this. Best to you and your ponderings~
Judy Ridge
November 20, 2024 at 7:21 amAs usual loved your blog!!
Mary
November 20, 2024 at 9:31 amMerci beaucoup~ Grazie!
Robin Dachenhausen
November 22, 2024 at 11:10 amI used to think that I was so deep-rooted in Washington state after the death of my husband I was amazed at how independent I have felt after the grieving process was over. I moved to a different state. I started a new life. I’ve met a new group of friends and life does go on. It is a very long process. It is a process of deep, individual understanding of self, but I’m here to tell you it can be done
Mary
November 23, 2024 at 8:05 pmRobin! How great to hear from you, and your journey. Thank you~
Naomi Wark
November 25, 2024 at 8:25 pmAnother thought-provoking blog. I look forward to reading your musings. This one hit close to home as I think about life choices.
Mary
November 26, 2024 at 12:31 pmThank you, Naomi. Glad you enjoy my musings. Fun isn’t it, as to when and where musings and ideas arrive. Best to you~~