Second Act: Unafraid, Undaunted, Uninvisible
Reflections from the Shadows
Invisible
folding into the shadows
behind an imaginary door
out of the light
seeking quiet
longing for peace
unafraid of the dark
undaunted by those
questioning
the choice of autonomy
at least for
a short while
until calm
regains its place
in the soul.
Then it’s back out there
to absorb
the noise
the chaos
the people
the colors, textures and shapes
of the everyday.
Things appear different
through the lens
of a quieted spirit
taking time
to pause and
reflect.
There is something to be said about fading into the shadows to gain perspective. A brief preference for silence and the peace that being invisible brings. It is a way to stand alone, unafraid, undaunted, confident in a path less traveled.
Being invisible has a negative connotation for some. I hear women talk about how they feel invisible as they age. Is it because they feel devalued in a society obsessed with youth? In my experience, women only get better with age. We have more moxie and the kind of wisdom that comes from having seen and lived through it all. We know what we want and will make things happen, however possible, in the second chapter of our lives.
I don’t feel unseen, but I have felt unheard, which for some means invisible. It’s a matter of perspective. Getting a youth-oriented society to listen to those of us in the second half of our lives can be frustrating. This group may feel it’s their time, and prefer we ride off into the sunset.
Sorry, that’s not how this works. As we hit our stride, women can and do find ways around this silliness of not being seen or heard, and they do so through their actions, which carry more weight than empty promises. Getting shit done, especially as we are navigating and aging with dignity and grace, is part of our agenda. Time is “a wasting”, so wallowing in our invisibility does not cut it, nor will it help those who wish to follow in our footsteps.
As women, we know our shoulders and strength are needed, just as we looked to those who came before us and paved the paths we chose.
Going the invisible route for short periods of time is one way to re-energize and awaken the spirit. Take a walk in nature, alone. Find a warm, cozy corner and read that book that’s been calling you. Get out a journal and pour out your most intimate thoughts, or create a collage depicting what you are feeling about your life at this moment. Put in your earphones, sit idle (no multitasking), and listen to your favorite music, absorb the notes, rhythm, and the instruments as if you are alone with the musicians in a sound booth.
Get it done. We need the strength of feminine energy now more than ever.
Thank you for reading and following/subscribing to “An Artist’s Journey”. I appreciate your time and any comments you may want to contribute.
Michelle Lindblom
Well done Michelle, I am not used to being invisible... and when made to feel that way I definitely bristle. But continuing to contribute in ways that make sense to my life and my values really helps to make those slights disintegrate. See you soon friend!