FOXXY WIZDOM with Charmaine Roots Castillo

Navigating Life's Open Doors

I loved the time of year when my mother opened every window in the house to “let some fresh air in.” There was something exhilarating about the fresh current of wind finding its way down the narrow hallway of our 960-square-foot house and filling every space with a fresh energy as it traveled through, ruffling the curtains and exposing things that needed to be anchored in a more secure fashion. I enjoyed the whimsical images I conjured up in my mind of me being the fresh wind that was running through the house, slamming doors and receiving no type of rebuke.

I didn’t challenge my mother’s authority when she directed me to close certain doors in the house, but I was curious about why some doors could be left open. I was fascinated by the cause and effect of the refreshing breeze and wanted to understand how it worked. My mom was prone to offering statements (not answers) in response to a lot of my questions, statements I tucked away, awaiting Father Time’s reveal.

“The revelation will be released when you have the capacity to understand.”

What?! As if my five-year-old brain could comprehend that. She would say things like that, and my younger self resolved to “understand it better, by and by.”

Many fresh winds later, I have come to understand a few things better in the by and by:

• Fresh winds don’t have the turbulent, destructive nature of storms, but much like storms, there are treasures to be uncovered in the aftermath.

• Fresh perspectives are the breeding ground for hope.

• Some doors are closed for your protection.

• Focus on the open door.

• Life is always pregnant with fresh new perspectives waiting to be delivered.

Those fresh winds that blew through my momma’s house signaled the time of year when the atmosphere was charged with making room for the lighter. Lighter curtains replaced the dark heavy drapes of the previous season. Lighter bedspreads replaced the hand-stitched quilts, weighed down by the cotton and love, filled by my grandma’s hands. It was a time of refreshing that always indicated new things on the horizon.

There is a fresh wind blowing right now, and whether you understand the cause and effect of it, now is as good a time as any to switch from the heaviness of the previous season and prepare to accommodate the light-bearing perspectives of the new.

Listen, the stairs leading to the basement also lead to the main level; so just remember, you’re taking the next step UP! It’s okay to rest on the landing (if you must), just don’t pitch a tent there.

Charmaine Roots Castillo is a creative writer promoting hope, encouragement, and brighter perspectives. For inspiration galore, follow her on FB @CharmaineLaFondé