Sometimes you just know...

by Mary Reiman

Timing is everything. Just do it. 

Things to do. Places to go. People to see.

There are so many phrases to describe the importance of moving forward. Making changes.

Sometimes you just know, but it takes a while to actually say it out loud. 

Today I am saying it out loud. This is my last 5 Women Mayhem blog post. 

Life is such a grand journey. Really, when you think about it, don’t you sometimes get overwhelmed by the number of experiences, the number of people you meet along the way. The impact they make and the many ways they shape us. 

I’ve learned so much about myself in the last 5+ years. 

I’ve learned I love to write about my family. They may live much too far away, but they are always near in spirit. 

I’ve learned that I love to find new bits of trivia to share with the world. I will still read the Interesting Facts each day and think of all of you (today: ‘How much sleep you *really* need?’). I will continue to learn the Word of the Day (today: salubrious) and think of how I could use it in a sentence...or not! I will read Word Smarts (today: 5 Nouns We’ve Turned into Verbs).

I have learned more about the importance of the word and the power of the story. I will return to reading more Kristin Hannah and Brad Thor, Isabel Allende and Leonard Pitts, Anne Tyler and William Kent Krueger...and many, many more! (My favorite quote: 'I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library.' - Jorge Luis Borges)

I have learned that I will always have a folder filled with articles I 'should' read, and ultimately will throw them away...unread. 

I might keep the folder of blog ideas. It includes everything from jello (really...don't we all have jello stories from our childhood?) to ChatGBT (Did you know it will write thank you notes for you? Perhaps it will also write letters to our government officials that they will actually read!) 

But not all stories need to be told.  Sometimes it's OK to let them go, and move on.

Worry not, my adventures will continue, just a bit differently. Taking action and using my voice in different ways. 

Thank you to Mary Kay for inviting me to be part of this group. It was an honor.

And thank you to you, our readers. 

What a fabulous experience it has been.

I’ve been wrapped in the arms of powerful voices. Strong women who do not back down from political discourse, or shy away from the mayhem. Thoughtful, caring, insightful women.

As I leave this journey of writing with the Women of Mayhem, I take their strength and goodness with me, and I am forever grateful.