Personal Ruminations About 2023

As the curtains opened on the stage of 2023 what followed was a symphony of challenges and triumphs, painting a portrait of resilience and gratitude. It commenced with a daunting hurdle as the first quarter found me hospitalized and in a wheelchair at the airport on my way back to Sweden upon returning from an unfinished visit to the Philippines. It was a time of uncertainty and vulnerability, where my world seemed to stand still.

As the warmth of summer graced the horizon, a newfound sense of liberation beckoned me towards the great outdoors. Embarking on a month-long camping expedition, nature grasped me in its gentle embrace, offering solace and rejuvenation.

Ah, the joys of summer. Let me weave a tale for you guys, of 5 glorious weeks spent immersed in the wonders of nature, and newfound friendships from several continents on a serene campsite in Trosa.

Then came the final stretch of the year, as winds of change propelled me towards a season of vibrant activity. From engaging in social activities to connecting with cherished friends, every moment was infused with a sense of joy and purpose. What truly illuminated this chapter was the remarkable improvement in my health. It was a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the blessings bestowed upon me.


Those five weeks in Trosa and a similar experience years back when I spent a month in another campsite in Peniche, Portugal reminded us that the treasures of life are not found in possessions, but in the moments we share with kindred spirits, our embrace of nature, and in the whispers of our own hearts. (Photo via Trosa)

There’s not a day I am not grateful to God for guiding me through these trials and showering me with His blessings. Each obstacle became an opportunity for growth, and every triumph a testament to the strength within. As the curtains closed on 2023, I am reminded that even in the darkest moments, faith and fortitude shines as a guiding light, illuminating the path ahead.

As our bodies basked in the joys of the outdoors, our minds thirsted for knowledge. With the campsite as our sanctuary, we immersed in a world of literary treasures which in turn inspire us to set pen to paper.

I found solace in the power of faith, grateful to the Divine for guiding me through the storms and reminding me of the resilience of the human spirit.
©moiragallaga

In the canvas that highlights my 2023 year,
A tale of trials and triumphs appear.
Through the first quarter, in a hospital’s care,
Bound to a wheelchair, an unexpected affair.
**
Yet amidst adversity, hope found its way,
As summer arrived, painting skies with golden rays.
A month of camping, a respite so sweet,
Nature’s embrace, a melody while in retreat.
**
September to December, a vibrant scene,
Engulfed in social activities, a life so keen.
With each passing day, strength began to grow,
Health blooming anew, like a river’s gentle flow.
**
Gratitude fills my heart for all I’ve received,
For the blessings bestowed, I truly believed.
In the hands of a higher power, I found solace,
Guiding me through challenges, a divine grace.
**
The chapters of 2023, a tale of strife,
Yet resilience and joy intertwined, giving life.
Through hurdles and triumphs, I’ve come to see,
The beauty of resilience and what it means to be free.
©moiragallaga

As the sun graced the Swedish skies, our adventure began with the lapping of waves against the dock. We embarked on a journey of discovery, learned the art of navigating the open waters, each of us taking turns at the helm of our boat. With the wind in our hair and the thrill of independence in our hearts, we explored coves and distant shores, the choppy waves guiding us towards boundless possibilities.

The allure of kayaking beckoned us to delve further into the depths of nature´s splendour. Awe-inspiring landscapes graced our path. Everyday we venture deeper into the embrace of nature as our souls became intertwined with the rhythm of the sea and an unbreakable bond with the water is forged.
Dipping in the water, seeking respite from the sun’s glare. Embracing the freedom of weightlessness and reveling in the joy of laughter and the beauty of silence shared.

The Ship – A Villanelle

© Moira G. Gallaga

The ship sails soon
Either climb aboard or stay on land.
It is nine o’clock.  The ship sails at noon.

You may fear being a buffoon
If you sing and dance with the band
The ship sails soon.

It is scary to balance atop a shaky dune
But how it feels when you can stand
It is nine o’clock.  The ship sails at noon.

This Azure Window in Dwerka, Gozo was the setting for Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen’s wedding. It’s where we’re also introduced to Jorah. – Game of Thrones (Island of Gozo, Malta)

Should you ride in that balloon?
It is not even manned
The ship sails soon.

To truly live in the colors of June
Or only see in shades of bland
It is nine o’clock.  The ship sails at noon.

Will you stay in your cocoon?
Or live a life that’s big and grand?
The ship sails soon.
It is nine o’clock.  The ship sails at noon.

01 June 2021


Holding Out for a Hero

©Moira G. Gallaga

Our Earth is a damsel in great distress,
enchained by shackles of iron-gray smog,
only tatters of her once-lovely dress
cover her body, surrounded by fog.

Since I stopped working full time, I tracked the changes in nature as avidly as I do with world news. (Atlas Mountains, Morocco. For this view, we hiked along the Atlas Mountain range, setting off from Setti Fatma in the Ourika Valley in Morocco. The massive mountain range stretches from Morocco through Algeria and Tunisia.)

Where are her knights, her saviors, to rescue
their maiden from the villains of this tale?
With time running out, how can they get through
the downpour of acid rain, faces pale

Whenever there tends to be an ecological imbalance, Mother Nature has ways of letting us know about it. (Porto Moniz, Portugal)

against the polluted sky? Bravery,
cunning, and dedication, refusal
to let their world lapse into slavery
at the hands of corporate ritual.

We’ve all experienced how scary it is when Mother earth is making herself felt. (Jardim Estrela, Lisbon)

The princess is choking in her tower,
she needs fresh, clean air to help her flower.

30 May 2021

Facing Life’s Challenges

©Moira G. Gallaga

Life can test an individual’s will in a great variety of ways; either by having absolutely nothing happening or by having everything occurs all at one time.

We are forced to fight numerous battles throughout our lives.  There are times when we are too reliant upon others to save us. Other times, there is simply too much happening at one time for us to take care of it all.  What you are going through at any one moment should never determine what will happen over the course of your life.

Taking a break and hanging around Hawksbill Summit, 4,051 feet above sea level in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

For many individuals there are a lot of challenges in life.  Many people choose to develop a very negative world view because they always seem to go through periods of their lives in which they don’t have enough; nothing is going their way; or there is simply too much going on for them to handle.

It’s good to understand there are so many things we can’t solve. Many things we can’t control. Learn to live with that thought, that’s exactly what makes life great. I live by the rhythm of the seasons. Unpredictability. (Luanda, Angola)

Through all these, we must continue to maintain our sense of honor, stay true to our principles and possess an indomitable spirit. Work hard in life each and every day, and also work hard in specific life areas consistently.  If we do not, we will only improve in short spans and can never attain optimal growth due to the fact that growth will sometimes stop, unless we start investing more effort into that particular area.

Our Lady of Medjugorje

“Bad days are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you should shut doors and dim your light. Even the best trip up sometime.”

17 May 2021

Be Kind to Yourself

© Moira G. Gallaga

It is hard work being an adult. There are constant demands on your time, energy and emotions from many different people. Your spouse, your children and your boss all want to be the focus of your attention at all times. While it is important to do your best and live unselfishly for others, there is another side to this coin.

It is impossible to live life to the fullest if you are not kind to yourself. You cannot give 100% of yourself to others if you have not been nurturing your personal life. The list below shows you some ways that you can carve off some private time and treat yourself right.

Rest. Relax. Recharge. Refocus. Not a luxury – it’s a necessity. (Prague, Czech Republic)

1) Schedule Personal Time – Everything of importance in our lives has to be scheduled in. If you do not set a time as if it were an appointment, your personal time will never happen. You do not need to set aside much time, maybe just 15-20 minutes to read a book, play an instrument or take a nap.

2) Join a Group – Consider joining a club or taking a class on a subject you love. It may be a book club, a diving group or a pottery class. This is a great way to get away from it all while doing something productive at the same time.

3) Get Up Earlier – You may not enjoy setting the alarm 20-30 minutes earlier, but you will be surprised at the result. Those few moments of peace and quiet before the rest of the family gets up will become your favourite part of the day.

Slow down and be kind to yourself. The results are worth it.

Nature recharges our minds and bodies. (Lillehammer, a town in Norway where a Mossad hit team killed an innocent man by mistake in the early 70s)

15 May 2021

The Value of Forgiveness

© Moira G. Gallaga

When enough time has passed to heal the wounds
gashed by words careless or intentional,
nothing could be more soothing than the sound
of relief, easily detectable

from the one you forgive once you pardon
their crimes.  They will sigh, perhaps even smile
in gratitude that you did not harden
your heart against their own. You could revile

Forgiveness is not always for those who wronged us. It’s also for ourselves so may we move on and have peace. (Lourdes, France)

their name as long as you live, but that might
only embitter your remaining years.
Better, then, to lighten the darkest night
of a guilt face enshrouded with fear.

“Forgiveness: You cannot afford to withhold forgiveness. Nothing will destroy your life more surely, for there is a great hidden grief in the denial of forgiveness. Your heart is so heavy from what you have not forgiven that you bear the offenses of another as if they were your own.” – Glenda Green

The best of men know well how to forgive their enemy
Their magnanimity cements their reputation for posterity.

Mistakes were my teachers/
I’ve learnt well. ©

14 May 2021