shed

verb (used with object)
1. to pour forth (water or other liquid), as a fountain.
2. to emit and let fall, as tears.
3. to impart or release; give or send forth (light, sound, fragrance, influence, etc.).
4. to resist being penetrated or affected by:cloth that sheds water.
5. to cast off or let fall (leaves, hair, feathers, skin, shell, etc.) by natural process.

Many ways I've heard the word used.  "Shed a tear."  "Shed skin."

The definitions above can tell some of what my thoughts are today.  It's time to do a little 'shedding'.  Time to let go of some things.  Release the grip I've had in some areas and TOTALLY remove other people, places and things that have kept me from moving forward in this journey.

Before I can truly add some of the bright new horizons to my list of places to go and see - experience, I have to have room to grow.  To move on without the weights that try to hold me down...

1. to pour forth...
2. to emit and let fall, as tears.

These two pretty much go hand in hand.  They are the realization that I am mortal.  I hurt.  Life sometimes stings and I do sometimes just sit down and cry.  I don't think you can truly be healthy without some tears in your life.  I need them at times to wash away bitterness, fear, hurt - but I've also cried just this week out of PURE joy.  A cry from realizing that there is still more ahead and I'm just wanting to see what each new day holds.  Shedding some tears!

3. to impart or release; give or send forth (light, sound, fragrance, influence, etc.).

Shed me some experience!!!  I am now finally at a place where I know ME.  I know who I am.  I know my past, and my struggles.  I know what I want from life and I can actually voice this (most of the time :-P ).  As I'm walking now, I can actually say that I have perspective and I know that there is enough in my past that allows me to see what lies ahead with a little more certainty and confidence.

 4. to resist being penetrated or affected by:cloth that sheds water.

"Water off my back".  I think that's the phrase.  It reminds me of having things just bounce off like the bullets that are shot at Superman's chest.  YOU CAN'T HURT ME UNLESS I ALLOW YOU TO HURT ME!  Some of you will get that.  Others may not.  Here's the skinny - If you hurt me, it's because I've allowed you to get close.  I've allowed you to know me and I'm up for the possibility of some heartache.  I don't want to get hurt, but I also know that you can't truly live without feeling some pain.  Those that I truly hold close to me are dear, precious people who know how tender I am if you are my family - those I love.  But if you're a stranger, someone I haven't let inside, then you really have such a small possibility of truly hurting the man I am.  

5. to cast off or let fall (leaves, hair, feathers, skin, shell, etc.) by natural process.

Shed some WEIGHT!  I've actually lost just over ten pounds this summer.  Didn't purposefully look to do that, but it happens.  It's been good to be back to a place closer to what I want to weigh, to feel.  But this one is a little deeper.  Like a reptile (notice I'm not using the Ssssss reptile by name LOL) sheds it's skin, it's time to let some physical things go.  Maybe a change of scenery?  I've been in the northern suburbs for about 12 years.  Something up there just seems to linger of the past I'm letting go of, and I want to open my eyes to places and surroundings that lift my spirits.   I have some dear friends still there, but I just need the room to breathe.

We'll see on this one.

So a little 'shed' time is in order.  I'm glad for the opportunity to walk into the next part of my life.  One step, one day at a time.  But with some really cool horizons in the distance!!!