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Relinquish the Wagon

By CM Riddle

Many of us go through life dragging a wagon behind us. Gripping the handle, we continue to pull it along while we try grasping at things ahead of us with the other hand. Imagine how much more we could attain if only we could bring ourselves to release that dang wagon.

What could possibly be so important in that wagon, you may ask. Well, there’s a lot of history in it, I will tell you that.

It is packed with cherished memories and painful experiences. It gets heavier every year. The grudges weigh a lot, and the guilt slows your pace. But with every step, tugging your wrist, pulling your elbow, and making those broad shoulders, which carry the weight of the world, so weary your, grip begins to slip.

You wonder where your breaking point will be. Will it be the next uphill battle or will you reach the top of the mountain with elation just to push it over the edge?

Will you watch the wagon roll slowly at first, then pick up speed, to finally crash and splinter into a zillion pieces?

Is that where you will find relief? A shattered wagon at the bottom of the mountain, there, bleeding where the colors of your life run together and you no longer recognize what is what?

Or, what if you do this? What if you take a risk? What if you take a chance and unpack one thing to leave behind. If you do, what will it be? A bad memory, hurt feelings, or a lie you told. Might it be your distaste for Swiss chard? Are you willing to sacrifice a friendship that’s run long past its expiration, or throw out that old ratty quilt that a distant relative gave you which was in bad shape when you got it?

Is there a piece of you that you will let fall away? Your stubbornness, or maybe your inclination to argue over every little trigger? Might you exchange those traits for peace, and if you do, will the wagon weigh less? Perhaps.

Are you carrying around a decision that has yet to be made, or did you make the wrong choice and you ruminate over it? No matter. Each day presents the opportunity to begin anew.

A wise man once said, “Make the choice, if it’s not right, another avenue will present itself. Then choose again. Time is what’s valuable, don’t waste it with indecision.”

Those words of wisdom keep my wagon mobile, but there are days I still find stuff to lug around. 

I hope you will take this advice from me; there is always another wagon filled with crap. They are all over the place. Many people have abandoned their wagons, and you can too.

The method is to let go with the hand holding the past and to reach out with both hands to grab the future. Your future, the fresh clean page of opportunity, gifts, optimism, growth, light, and empowerment are before you. Don’t be afraid to extend both hands, to fill them up. You will be amazed at what you can do once you relinquish your wagon. And, if for some reason you need to get anything from it, it will be there along the path, right where you left it.

Now go. Grasp life with both hands.

Tina Riddle Deason writes under the name CM Riddle. An author and creator, Tina has published several articles and books, including those about rituals and ceremonies. She is a High Priestess who leads a variety of Women’s Circles. A mother and grandmother who lives with her husband and “fur-babies” in Rohnert Park, CA.

Memorable writing that sparks imagination. Lean in. Hear the writer’s voice on the page.

A Place in the Sun

By CM Riddle

I often find myself writing about the past. It’s easy to remember and type the facts. But today I am writing about the future.

Instead of facts, I’ll define the future and bring it into reality. My vision of the future is inspired by a song from the past.

Tuning to Spotify I hear Stevie Wonder belt, “There’s a place in the sun where there’s room for everyone, gonna find me a place in the sun.”

The lyrical line weaves its way through my thoughts and soon I imagine the most amazing place. A place without pain or suffering. A place filled with hope and everyday joy. That’s where I want to be. 

Suddenly an esoteric feeling hits deep within my bones. Not knowing if I will live long enough to experience what’s coming, I am somehow assured that there is a future that holds a place in the sun, and it will exist for everyone.

Swept in confidence, I am aware my grandchildren and all future children of the world will build this place of security. They emerge from a new place, one that is ancient and innovative at the same time. They bring with them kindness and silliness. They offer help and reach out without expectations of return. They are fulfilled by giving more than taking and this place of beauty flourishes.

I see a future where harmony takes place with every step and the earth is green and growing. I see health and wholeness beyond what we have. The world is cast in a beautiful, energizing, healing, vibrational saffron. A warmth that embraces humankind and melts greed. It is a vibrant color that restores instead of dismantles. The glow of the world is one of ecstasy.

People and communities take on challenges and step-up, leaving no one to suffer. These tribes and families establish a new kind of wealth. One that does not involve money, banking, or stocks. They find prosperity in creativity and craft within each other. Bartering and trades for betterment are the new investment. And most importantly, no one is left hungry or homeless. There is no need to escape through drugs or other stimulants. 

The air and the water return to perfect balance and if just one person tries to “own” what belongs to all, well, then they will have to go without for a long time. That seems a fair consequence. 

This place is filled with more walking and cooking. More gatherings, more laughter. More wisdom and discovery. There is no such thing as insecurities of any kind… food, housing, trade goods. It’s all there for the giving and receiving.

Support comes from all sources. Family, establishments, community. This is the dream I have. I may not be here on this plane, but it is coming. There will be an element of peace greater than anything ever imagined—and this time around it will be real.

Tina Riddle Deason writes under the name CM Riddle. An author and creator, Tina has published several articles and books, including those about rituals and ceremonies. She is a High Priestess who leads a variety of Women’s Circles. A mother and grandmother who lives with her husband and “fur-babies” in Rohnert Park, CA.

Memorable writing that sparks imagination. Lean in. Hear the writer’s voice on the page.

A Break-up Letter

By CM Riddle

Dear Time,

Forget You!

I am tired of the way you sneak up on me. Stealing moments and making plans that take forever to prepare, then the event flies by.

I long for the days of following the sun and the moon and using its rhythm to play my own tune.

You cause great stress upon me, as others in my life have depended on you so much that they expect me to follow you, too.

Timecards, appointments, luncheons, and for God’s sake, Christmas!

Give me a break, would you please?  I mean, the way you slip through my fingers!

And as if the ticking tocks you whisper in my ear are not enough, you decided to line my face and give me grey my hair. 

I need to get down and up slowly these days, and that is all because of you!

You promised me a life, a long life with plenty of time, but here you are, stealing the moments, tracking the calendar, and honestly, I feel thrown under the bus every time I cancel a plan or run late, or just abandon ship!

When did punctuality join this relationship? I am not into a threesome, but here we are. You, me,and having to be punctual. Well, screw that I say! Leave me to my internal clock, I don’t need you. I hate your face and the tattooed numbers around it. Every version of you brings stress and panic, fear, and internal mayhem.

It’s easier to say tomorrow or next week, next month  –  with you – you insist on an hour and minute, I know by the hands all over your smug face. It’s the truth and you know it.

I breathe easier without you clutching my wrist or when I “forget” to replace the battery in your giant face in the living room. I like it when you are disabled and oh-so-easy to forget!

I can go on all day, all night about my pitiful relationship with you, but you are a giant ass-hat and when we are through you will still march on. As if I didn’t even exist for one second.

Time heals, time repairs, time is order and time is fair. Oh, really? I don’t care.

I am through with you and don’t forget, you heard it here first, that you are nothing more than a curse.

You may not hear it every day. But there are sighs and cries, and dismay. 

The only time someone has ever had anything good to say about time is THANK GOD THAT IS OVER! Whatever came their way has passed and that is the ONLY good thing about you. 

Let’s not meet again.

Sincerely, the best person that ever came your way. 

Bye , Bitch!

Read more of CM’s writing: Wild Man of the Hunt.

Tina Riddle Deason writes under the name CM Riddle. She is an author, creator, mother, grandmamma, and a High Priestess. She has published several articles and books, including those about rituals and ceremonies. Tina lives with her husband and “fur-babies” in Rohnert Park, CA.