I’ve been thinking a lot lately about bridges. I just returned from a trip to Pittsburgh, so I had plenty of opportunities to indulge my recent fascination with bridges. Most of you know that Pittsburgh is located at the junction of the Allegheny River and the Monongahela River, which combine to form the Ohio River. With three rivers, there are plenty of bridges to contemplate – and navigate – which is why I allow other people to do the driving for me there!
As I looked around the city, touring my way through the hip neighborhood of Lawrenceville, visiting wonderful places such as Piccolo Forno, The Abbey on Butler Street, and La Gourmandine Bakery, The Andy Warhol Museum, and the Pittsburgh Strip District, I came to a few conclusions about bridges. Disclaimer: I am not an engineer.
A bridge connects one with where they came from to where they want to go.
A bridge serves as the area between one place and another.
A bridge efficiently carries one over obstacles that can be difficult to pass through.
Personally, the analogy of a bridge summarizes the past year of my life perfectly. A year ago, I started to leave behind the Wonder Woman badass who was swimming upstream to win at the relay of life. Exhausted and lonely for what had been, I decided to leave the race and everyone in it behind. Standing at the precipice, not knowing where I’d be going or who I’d become was far more terrifying than actually taking the first step. I was frozen with fear for months, completely bewildered about what I wanted. It’s a funny thing to be in your 50’s and to not have a clue about what you actually like. Leaving behind other people’s expectations, my perceived role as a mom, a wife, a daughter, an employee, a friend, I dropped every demand I put upon myself in the effort to appear “successful” – I walked away from it all and started to cross the bridge toward the unknown of who I might become. I still don’t have the answer, as I remain in the land between. The safety of this place is where I’m trying new things, relearning what brings me joy, and making new connections as I attempt to rebuild my life post-pandemic.
Somehow the bridge that seemed so terrifying turned out to be the place where I’ve found new definitions of success that have nothing to do with my bank account balance. I must be moving on from here shortly, as I have places to go and important work to do out in the community. I appreciate all of you for following along the past year, reading my stories, and sharing some of your own. Thank you for your participation in my little writing project and all of the wonderful feedback many of you provided.
It’s been a pleasure sharing my thoughts and my creativity with you. As I cross over the bridge to the land where I need to be going, this website will be transformed into something new – as will I. I’ll let you all know when I arrive.
And if you find yourself needing to visit Pittsburgh, I highly recommend staying at ED’s Place. Jeff is one of the most marvelous hosts! He even has a short film about the transformation of the apartment from an old grocery store. It’s fascinating!
Until I we meet again, Shine On, Friends.
-Diane
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