142 – Hold

After uncharacteristically taking so long to reply to comments on the last post – let alone visit other blogs – I realize I’m in a time-poor period. I am transitioning to posting only once a week hoping the status won’t last too long. Time will tell if my publishing dates vary. Thanks for understanding.

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I like to walk on the beach. It is good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.

Today offers a cloudy sky, a mild temperature, and a wind with a touch of briskness. However, I’m unsure of my topic to ponder.

As I pass a large patch of shells, one catches my eyes. I grab it, hold it, and stare at the intricacies. In the palm of my hand is one of nature’s beauties that others may find to be a mundane shell.

I continue walking – but wondering why I am holding this shell. I certainly have more beautiful ones at home, so I return the shell to the sand – but not without a smile because I now have my topic to ponder.

How many things do we hold in a day? A glass, bottle, cup, utensils, and keys – objects we carry from place to place – and even a pen to scribe these words. I’m obligated to mention a phone, but I know there are many more because we grip, grab, grasp, carry, and pull many things in a day.

Photo by Cup of Couple on Pexels.com

As social creatures with a wide range of emotions, we humans hold onto people, places, and things for many reasons: the memories of vacations – memorabilia and special things – long talks and soft, tender moments – memories, ideas, and hope – good times and bad – happiness and sadness – personal desires and dreams – times of personal pride and hurt.

Some hold on to past emotions hoping those emotions will rekindle, even though exhilaration probably will continue to wane. However, time will deliver fond memories that bring smiles and warm hearts.

We hold onto mementos for reasons we can define and find value – reasons that are personal and with minimal monetary value (if any at all). Things that most likely relatives will toss after our time passes. I sincerely doubt anyone will want the TWA pin I received on my first airplane flight at age 11.

I wonder how many ticket stubs, letters, photos, baby things, and other personal pieces I have stuffed in a drawer or a box. Those things I hold on to because of memories, pride, and accomplishments for my hall of fame – items telling part of my story of who I am.

Is there anyone who doesn’t hold onto past badges of honor, worries, relationships, social media, phones, old books, clutter, t-shirts, letters, cards, and more because these items tell a personal story? My story – your story – and we don’t want to be forgotten.

We hold onto grudges that lay on us like heavy objects. But, I am sure each of us can justify the grudge’s existence. Some may be necessary, while others are not. The ones involving disrespect are a personal challenge. Unfortunately, some people hold grudges against others based on religion or politics – let alone differences crossing the line into gender, sexuality, race, nationality, or wealth.

We hold on to dreams with hopes of reaching them. That journey is a difficult task and requires focus, preparation, and a bit of luck. However, there is also a time when we can let go of that dream .

Photo by James Wheeler on Pexels.com

We hold onto the desires that offer a better tomorrow. We want it so bad that we can taste it – yet it seems so far away – but we hold on – hoping. Then again, holding on to the unattainable is not rational – but letting go is difficult.

I wonder who holds on to something because it fills a void: such as a missing love – a missing friend – a missing family member. On a lighter note, a ballroom dancer holds on to their partner as a point of nonverbal communication so the two can act as one.

Not only do we hold onto love, but love also has a hold on us. Love is something that once we have it, we tend to hold on to it and keep close. Yet, if love is slipping away, one is caught in the conundrum of holding on as long as possible or letting it slip away.

I know immigrants assimilating into a new land hold onto the customs and traditions of their homeland because that is who they are. It’s not about ignoring their new land because they are holding on to something comfortable that is part of them – who they are. However, the next generation may find holding on to be challenging.

I think about people who hold onto the past and resist change over time – refusing to accept the new while holding on to the days and the ways that will never return.

Photo by Dominika Roseclay on Pexels.com

Musicians know the sign of when they must hold, but to many athletes, holding is usually not a good thing. Some people say they hold the keys to success, but would you believe them?

As this walk ends, thinking about hold has been a positive aspect of my day. We certainly use “hold” in many ways, and I’m sure I’ve only touched the surface. I am confident my mind will be lighter the next time I return to this beautiful sand. After all, I’m a positive person. Nonetheless, I like walking on the beach because it is good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.

See what other bloggers have posted about Hold

• Hold me like you hold a cup of coffee (a short poetic essay)
• Hold on (an essay)
• Hold me from behind (a poem)
• Will you hold my hand … (a poem about a personal event)
• Hold on (a poem)

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