Leaving The Traditional Behind

What’s the traditional to you?  Years ago, I would have declared I was the traditional wife, mother, daughter, niece and caregiver to family.  I would have happily regaled you with stories about the traditions as a family we enjoyed and how I came to rely on those traditions, even when I sometimes dreaded the work that the traditions held.  You know what I mean right?  Making huge family holiday feasts, plastering a smile on my face, even when I felt like crying and pretending that all was well, for the sake of the traditions that had come to be expected?

Have you ever felt that way?

But I have been released from the traditional now.  My life has changed dramatically.  No longer am I a wife, but instead, I am a divorced mom.  Today marks the first time I am completely alone as my children have gone to visit my Ex’s family on vacation.  The divorce is official and we have moved into our own little rental for the time being.

It’s a strange in-between place for me.

I was contemplating this when I saw the Traditional – Daily Prompt which I thought fit me well.  I’m embracing a limbo of sorts until I decide what I want to do next.  I have a few days of solitude ahead in which to fill the hours with whatever I choose.  I can’t remember the last time I had time like this!  Being in a new rental means I have no memories of traditions that pin me to the past.  It’s like there’s a clean slate on which to write my next chapter.  As I sipped my morning coffee, I realized for the first time in my life, I have freedom to choose what makes me happy at least for the next few days without worrying about how it could impact anyone else.  I have freedom from the traditional day of routine, of motherhood, of responsibilities.

There’s a plethora of possibilities in my head, swimming around, ripe to pluck and execute.  Do I go for a walk on the beach and inhale the enticing sea air?  Do I take a nap, curled up on the couch and eat bon bons?  Do I call a friend to meet for lunch and enjoy a glass of wine in the middle of the day to celebrate the break from traditional?  Do I stuff myself with popcorn and candies and watch a chick-flick?  Do I read in peaceful silence?  Do I go out shopping and buy myself something fabulous?

Ahhh…the release from the traditional!

All these choices are spinning in my mind and instead of being sad that I am alone, as my children are away, I am divorced, living in a rental and my life is not how I had traditionally planned it to be – in my heart I am planning on embracing the freedom from the traditional!  Of course, I’m sitting here writing to you, but it’s time for me to dip my toes in the sea of possibilities!  So off I go – into the unknown and with love and light, I send you hugs for a Tuesday!

May you also enjoy a break from the traditional – I think it’s time we all have a little moment to break free from the confines that bind us to the plethora of shoulds that cage us at times.  I’m not suggesting you go out and do something wicked.  That’s not me!  But to shake up the routine a bit, now that’s a possibility!  What new tradition can you make today?  Got any ideas?  Please share!

Shine On!

xo

Rabbit, Rabbit…

Rabbit, Rabbit…White Rabbit, White Rabbit…

It’s been a long few days since my knee surgery.  Today is the first day that I’ve even remotely felt like venturing to write a post, but I thought it’s the perfect time to bring up a tradition that we’ve been doing for years.   Today is September 1st and on the first of every month, we say, “Rabbit, rabbit, white rabbit, white rabbit,” in the morning before breakfast (although it’s a loose rule because years ago when my son was 5, he cried because he forgot to say it before he ate and was convinced he would have a bad month)  So, being the good Mom, I amended the rule quickly before the tears really began rolling.  In fact, as my sons have grown, they’ve twisted the rabbit, rabbit to monkey, monkey ~ in a show of independence and yet caring for dear ol’ Mom.  Not quite rebelling as such, but doing it their way.  I don’t mind, I think it’s funny because they get such a kick out of saying it to me.

Do any of you know of this tradition?  I can’t tell you where it began for me or how…I just know that the start of the new month has me declaring that phrase before savoring my first sip of my coffee in the early morning and brings me a smile knowing that I’ve begun my month with luck!

I started looking up the phrase ‘Rabbit, rabbit” and a plethora of websites and theories abounded.  Some stated that the tradition started in the 1880s, some stated that there are conditions upon saying the phrase to another person, some even have a slight variation on the way it’s said (hare in the morning, rabbit at night).  It’s an interesting take on a cute family tradition that I never thought much about….until now.

One piqued my interest:

“There is a tradition in the military (at least in the USAF) involving white rabbit. It is a game, as well as a way to keep in touch with those with whom you were stationed. When a new month begins, it is a contest as to who can tell the other person ‘white rabbit’ first; must be live communication, no answering machines, letters, etc. Usually the wager would be a drink. However, like I said, it allowed you an ‘excuse’ to call people once a month and catch up.”

So, in the military tradition, I send you Rabbit, Rabbit first…

Now let’s go get a Mimosa to start off our month with luck!

For me, it’ll be lucky because you’re buying!

Have you said it this morning?

Rabbit, Rabbit, White Rabbit, White Rabbit

to YOU!

xo