10/18/2025
• IMPERMANENCE •
noun ~
"the state or fact of lasting for only a limited period of time."
As I built this sand castle, I became aware of the soon-to-be setting sun. ☀️
I became aware of the rising tides. 🌊
I became aware that this castle may not last. 🏖️
It may not be permanent..
And yet, I gave it my all.
I carefully curated the foundation.
I smoothed all of the edges.
Meticulously, I worked.
Hours in the sun (you can see my skin starting to burn in this photo)
I didn't give up on the pure pleasure and joyfulness that building this little empire gave to me.
I accepted the changing of the tides.
I accepted the setting of the sun.
I accepted that this structure may not last.
And still, I indulged.
Some people would not do what I did.
I understand it though, I do. It's scary to follow what brings you joy, especially if you are unsure of its permanent or impermanent nature in your life.
We avoid putting in the effort to create something, even something that brings us joy, for the fear that it may be taken away, for the fear of us being hurt, for the fear of impermanence.
✨
After my late husband passed away in 2017, I lived like this. I lived in fear of impermanence. I lived in fear of losing something that would bring me joy. So I locked everyone and everything out. I created stone walls around my heart so no one could hurt me. I created a space where no pain could get in..
. But love couldn't get in, either.
And what a HELL that was that I made for myself. 💔🔥🙁
I saw it as self-preservation, but it was self sabotage.
It was a slow, silent, lonely journey.
Now I'm realizing how important it is to embrace the gifts and opportunities that life brings to you. Embrace the beautiful people life brings to you. Embrace the warm sand. Embrace the silly playfulness. Embrace the bright blue skies.
And.
Embrace the setting sun.
Embrace the changing tides.
Embrace the joyfulness of life, even if you fear it's impermanence.
You'll never know until you actually get out there, take action, and build your castle. Be silly. Have fun. Play.
Enjoy this life that you are given.
Nothing is permanent in this life.
Not even this life, itself.
So enjoy your life.
Follow your heart.
Listen to your soul.
You are worthy.
You are worthy.
You are worthy.
🏰 🩷 🏖️☀️🙏🏻🌊🫂✨
All my love,
-xoxo Anna.