Writing My Way Out of the Dark

For those few who read this blog, you are aware of the promise I made to spend the rest of my days writing. It was a promise wrapped in grief, but the wisdom of the woman I loved knew that writing would be my Northstar.

My aim has been to write about those insights and experiences I’ve had throughout my eclectic career in the hopes that I might be able to share a small measure of reason with a world that appears to have chosen to lose itself in the shadows of doubt and fear. But tried though I may, it has often felt as if I’m writing in the dark. Yet I have seen enough darkness in my time, and the pain of losing the love of my life was a shroud I never thought I would get out from under. But with every word I write I see a sliver of light that shines from each memory, lesson and thought bequeathed to me by that irrepressible heart that gave my beloved, life; a life lived and shared with joy and abandon.

There have been some things I’ve written that have resonated with a few of you; some pieces have bothered or even infuriated others. They were never meant to be anything more than the truths I hold in my heart. Truths I came upon through a great deal of reasoning along with lessons learned thanks to the auspices of some spectacular blunders or foolish mistakes. Yet I have no regrets; I hold each most dear because I paid a high price for each of them.

So this tiny posting is to help clear the air and clarify my mission. I will continue to write from the heart, for I know no other way. If you prefer the comments or observations of those who hold a different worldview, I am always open to hear your viewpoints. I embarked on this journey in the hopes of hearing from you; this is how I continue to assess, learn and grow. All I ask is that you keep your eyes open, your mind alert, and your heart protected.

In the meantime, do what you can to collect the goodness from all the folks whom you love and trust, and do your best to banish all the hatred; just turn around and let it go. Because there’s no reason to suffer pain, indignities or loss because some bad apples only think about what’s out there for them to gain. There’s always something beautiful for you to see and small treasures out there waiting for you to find them. I will continue to write myself out of the darkness that surrounds us by using the truth that I continue to see. It’s all around you; it isn’t a ploy, cheap trick or some fabricated AI slop. Do your utmost best to face each tomorrow with all that brings you joy. Try to write yourself out of all that darkness and let the light back into your life. For that’s where life finds its nourishment – right at that point where all the darkness caves in.

8 responses to “Writing My Way Out of the Dark”

  1. I read a thoughtful suggestion last year. When you are in the midst of darkness and despair, and can’t see a way out, look around you for someone who needs help. Focus all your energy on that person, and making that help happen. You will find that taking the spotlight off yourself, and shining it where it is needed will knock you out of your “self pity party.”

    This refocusing away from myself has helped me at some bad times. I think your writing (focusing the spotlight ) has, and will continue, to help many.”

    1. Sharon – thank you so much for sharing that lovely inspirational idea. I try to get folks to look inside of themselves for answers when they’ve gotten lost in the reactive world we live in. But it’s so true that when caught in a cycle of darkness and despair, it does the heart wonders to focus your energy on someone who needs help. That refocusing helps to bring your life into focus, and reminds you that we all have an inherent need (and ability) to help one another. Finding such a purposeful moment can do wonders. Thank you for sharing this, and thank you for giving me your assessment of my writings. I pray that they will be of help; it’s at the core of my promise to CeCe. ????

  2. Great writing Frank. You have written a testament of following the light in writing your way out of the dark, keeping the faith in CeCe’s love and her belief in who you are and what she saw that you can do. Follow your light and commitment, my friend, the love in your heart will always be satisfied that way.

    Love & Bear Hugs from the Family

    1. Bernie – thank you so much for your kind thoughts and insights. It has sometimes been a difficult road to travel. But grief is nothing more than a reminder of the love that once stood in its place. As I wrote in my commentary about grief, it eventually provides clarity; it inspires you with courage and conviction. I was blessed with a unique and revelatory love, and the best thing I can do to honor such a gift is to stay true to the two promises I made to my beloved – the one on our wedding day and the one she asked of me just hours before she passed. I am so grateful for true friends like you and others who help me stay strong and on point. Much love and warm hugs back at you and the family.

  3. sweetsfuturistically1ce5c8f5ef Avatar
    sweetsfuturistically1ce5c8f5ef

    Great article, Frank. You had every reason to give up; so glad you didn’t!
    Love & hugs, my brother,
    Phil

    1. Phil – thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, my brother. The one enduring gift from a perfect love is that you’re blessed with a dogged sense of optimism. There’s a great line from Leonard Cohen’s song Anthem that I’ve always found very inspirational: There’s a crack; a crack in everything – that’s how the light gets in. Darkness may be imposing, but it makes it easier to see the light. Sending much love back at you… ??

  4. rosanne2180d5beda Avatar
    rosanne2180d5beda

    Beautiful. Good advise…for all finding their way out of darkness.

    Greetings from Cancun. I’m happy to announce that there is no snow! The cold front from the north paid this beautiful country a visit bringing temperatures in the 50s. Wonderful from our perspective. Today it returns to normal…high 70.

    Off to breakfast then golf.
    Stay well
    Xoxo
    Sent from my iPad

    1. Rosie – thank you so much for your thoughts; I thought it was high time to make the darkness less of a prison and more of launching pad we all share.

      I had forgotten when you were heading to Cancun, but I’ve got to say that you and Jeff chose the perfect time! So as you wiggle your toes in that warm, softened sand, think of us here at -14F watching the wind play with an innocent dusting of snow that arrived quietly in the night. Have a wondrous time! Much love from the farm…??

Leave a Reply