I’ve become quite skilled and undoing my work. Stitches that were uneven, carefully picked out and restitched. Piano fingering I learned, unlearned and refingered for better execution. The garden I planted once, redesigned for less intense maintenance. The stories I’ve told myself for many years, now seen with different eyes, revised.
These undoings have taught me a lot. They are a mix of improvement, grace, and surrender.
I used to fear coming “undone.” Now it seems there’s no other way to move forward.
NOTE: This bit of writing came after an hour spent pulling out stitches in a sweater I thought I had just finished for my granddaughter. It’s ok. Most of it survived the undoing.
Thank you to all who make this writing space
a place of safety, support, and beauty.
pelicansandprose 
Love this sentence- “These undoings have taught me a lot. They are a mix of improvement, grace, and surrender.” I am going to write this out and place it in my writing room so the next time I come undone your wise words can calm me.
I love this part – “I used to fear coming “undone.” Now it seems there’s no other way to move forward.” It is so true. I feel like I am undoing all I have learned about good teaching with this new curriculum, but you give me some hope with this piece. You always inspire me and help me see things in a new more hopeful light. Thank you!
Wow, Marilyn. This says a lot. I notice the examples in your first paragraph go from the small and immediate (yarn) to larger (changing our garden to accommodate our ageing) and finally to this profound and provocative line: ‘ The stories I’ve told myself for many years, now seen with different eyes, revised.’
Love this phrase: “a mix of improvement, grace, and surrender.” Thanks for helping me think about the undoing (and the blessings of it).
So much deep reflection hiding in this economical slice! I love how you go from literal to figurative. My absolute favorite line- “The stories I’ve told myself for many years, now seen with different eyes, revised.” Stellar writing, Marilyn!