Well here we are at our last stop, having zig-zagged our way through alphabet land via the A-to-Z blogging challenge. I’ve been writing a manifesto of things I believe and that delight me, based on unusual words, and today we’re finishing with the letter Z.
The word I’ve chosen is actually a phrase, in Chinese. I don’t really know how to pronounce it, but I don’t care. My manifesto, my rules. And this one is most definitely a keeper. Let me introduce you to:
Zhi zi zhi shou, yu zi xie lao. It means “to hold hands and grow old together.”
There’s something about that phrase that just fills me. I imagine the original intent of the phrase was expressing a beautiful wish for one’s primary love relationship, but how beautiful is it to extend that to all our relationships? I am blessed to have many wonderful friendships, some of which have lasted for many many years, and I love that we’re growing old together. But I also love knowing that I’m growing old in connection with everything else on this planet as well. This season I will grow older in the company of roses and old oak trees and our beautiful moon, and perhaps there will be a shooting star or a rainbow. We may not be on the same lifespan cycle, but we’re each here for however long we’re here, and what if we held the intention to hold hands along the way.
I can’t help but be reminded of the beautiful wisdom of Ram Dass who said “we’re all just walking each other home.”
Yes, indeed, we truly are.
I can think of no better way to navigate this world than with the aim of zhi zi zhi shou, yu zi xie lao – to hold hands and grow old together.
What about you? Who do you want to hold hands with? How are you wanting to navigate your journey here? We’re all growing old – how do you feel about that? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
Hi Deborah .. I’ll come over and join you on your zhi zi zhi shou, yu zi xie lao – what a wonderful phrase and conveyance to feel. Yes family and loved ones, friends and bloggers too … I’d love to navigate this word with many … leading us to a peaceful zone throughout the world .. cheers Hilary
Oh yes Hilary to our zone of peace – what a wonderful vision!
Funny. I have a love / hate relationship with this concept. The last time I really embraced this idea and took it to heart, I ended up in a divorce after 30 years of marriage. It did make me pay attention to the moments more though, because they can be so fleeting. I love the idea of holding hands on the way. And growing old together. I’m just constantly surprised by who those people are who join me. Wonderful post.
Life is always serving up surprises isn’t it – some more delicious than others. Here’s to always having hands to hold on all our journeys. Thanks for stopping by Linda – I appreciate it.
Hold hands and grow old together, such a comforting thought. I’ve been reminded of that when I’ve reconnected with some high school friends after working with them on our 40th reunion a couple of years ago. It is nice to share the journey! Thanks for sharing yours with us.
What a fun connection Janet. And thanks so much for hanging out with me during this A-to-Z challenge – we did it!
What a lovely theme, Deborah! And I’m so pleased you visited me during the challenge, which allowed me the opportunity to connect and see your lovely website. I’ll definitely be back!
Congratulations on completing the challenge!
Namaste.
Thanks for the kind words and for the visit. What a fun April it’s been, and congrats on your outstanding participation in the challenge. Well done!
Thanks Deborah so much for this beautiful ending which is really a beginning in its way. Holding hands, together, ready to embrace all that life has to offer. And growing older along with the roses and the trees, is such a lovely image. It’s been great connecting on the A-Z and thank you for all the beauty and wisdom in your posts.
It’s been lovely traveling with you along the A-to-Z path Susan. Thanks for you support and for your always thoughtful words. And now let’s move into May and see what delights are there for us!
I’ve enjoyed learning all these new words representing what is meaningful to you. You should do it every month 🙂 Your Z phrase is an especially lovely concept (although I seriously am not that fond of getting older at all).
Thanks for the kind words Candace. I’m on a writing roll now, so maybe there will be more daily favorites. 🙂 We may need to move into some science fiction world in order to stop and reverse aging. Might be worth the trip.
I have really enjoyed reading all your words.
I love the idea of growing old together holding the hands of all my friends including the wild critters and plants.
Happy 1st of May!
Mary
Thanks Mary. And Happy May Day to you!
That’s a lovely phrase and a lovely thought. I expect I’ll end up growing old with my siblings, and whatever critters I happen to have. I like feeling more comfortable with myself, but I sure wish I had my 27 year old body back (that was the year I ran 2.5 miles every day).
I suspect physical changes are one the hardest part to accept about aging, but hopefully we balance it out with more wisdom and more joy. Thanks for stopping by Marcy!