I spent too many years day-dreaming near the tree's trunk, playing it safe, following guidelines I formed for myself (from who knows where) on how I should act, what I should do, who I should be.

Then Fifty drew near, in all her daring glory, taunting me, teasing me, luring me out onto the limb because, after all, that's where the fruit is, and to reach it you have to take risks.

Not the foolhardy, life threatening kinds, but ones involving your heart, your pride. You have to risk embarrassment and failure. You have to not care.

I stepped gingerly at first, but soon forgot my fear because of the amazing view, the possibilities that opened wide around me. I didn't worry about a safety net, but determined to fly higher, rather than fall. 

Out on the limb I feel the breeze, reminding me to breathe. Out on the limb I learn to balance between my dreams and my responsibilities.

Out on the limb I remember to dance.

Nov 12-0005

This is my contribution to Kelly Letky's Celebration of Life link-up, in honor of her 50th birthday. Read more on her post at Mrs. Mediocrity.

Happy birthday, Kelly!

 

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22 responses to “You’ll Find Me Out on the Limb”

  1. Kelly Avatar

    Dancing on a limb is absolutely the best place to be, especially in the moonlight!
    This is gorgeous, and I find myself in this same place. Thanks you so much for helping me celebrate this special day. Here’s to dancing!
    xoxo
    Kelly

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  2. Ms. A Avatar

    Beautiful! Happy Birthday, Kelly!

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  3. Gail Dixon Avatar

    This is a beautifully written piece. Such talent you possess, woman. 🙂

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  4. kamana Avatar

    love the last line especially

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  5. Barbara Shallue Avatar
  6. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I love it when you make me blush! (You're one to talk!)

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  7. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I agree with you on the moonlight, Kelly! Hope you've had a wonderful birthday. Welcome to the awesome 50's!

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  8. Buttons Avatar

    Happy Birthday Kelly wow I am almost sixty you are coming into the greatest time in your life.
    Barbara this is beautifully written and so true. B

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  9. Lisa @ Two Bears Farm Avatar

    Great contribution! Happy birthday to her!

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  10. rjane Avatar
    rjane

    How beautiful!
    Dance on, be free and embrace this beautiful age of 50!
    Fifty is a splendid time of renewal.

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  11. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I agree! Even though fifty brings new physical challenges, mentally it's liberating. I've loved my fifties!
     

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  12. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thanks, and I agree with you on the fifties! Despite the hurdles, it's my favorite decade!

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  13. Otto von Münchow Avatar

    Passing 50 is the best! And when you chose to fly higher and get out on the limp, there is nothing more exciting. A lovely written post. And Happy Birthday!

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  14. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thanks! I know you live way out on that limb!

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  15. lisleman Avatar

    I like how you made “out on a limb” become a good thing. Limb has me thinking branch which brings up the family tree. It is interesting how the older branches support newer ones.

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  16. Lisa Gordon Avatar

    This is a beautiful post, Barbara!

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  17. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I'm a genealogy nut, so I totally agree! 

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  18. Kathryn Dyche Dechairo Avatar

    I love this . . . out on a limb is where I want to be too.

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  19. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I wish it hadn't taken me so long!!
     

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