Recycling of Life

Today the path I am on is foggy and it’s hard to see where I’m going or whether there is a purpose to this twisted journey.   It can be so easy to become discouraged and tempting to turn back.  However, I want to remember the many times in the past I have experienced similar days and with time, trust, forgiveness and patience I found myself exactly where I needed to be.    

In so many ways life is the great 'recycler'.  Nothing has been wasted.  Situations I think are useless and need to be thrown out, end up serving important purposes for me.  Often I want to hurry up and forget people who have hurt or let me down, but upon reflection I realize they are the ones that have taught me the greatest lessons about loving.  The moments I have felt disappointed and believed myself a big failure, later on I find have offered the opportunity I needed to discover who I really am.  Time and experience seem to transform what I think of as the waste of my life into the precious stuff of me.  So, today as I sit on the compost pile thinking I’m a mess, who knows the magic that’s emerging.

Mindful Expression

I intend to take the time to communicate what “I” experience, notice, hear, see, observe or perceive rather than impulsively telling you what ‘you’ do, say or intend.  In the beginning this didn't seem like a very important distinction in conveying my truth, but I have learned over and over that in fact it is the difference between owning my own reality and judgmentally defining yours.  When I take the time to acknowledge and recognize how I express what I want you to know about me, it usually ends up I am more accurately heard and understood. 

So even though changing this communication habit may feel awkward and difficult now I believe it is worth my effort and will become easier with practice.  I want to connect and join with you today and I will do this by being mindful about my words and actions.     

Stepping Out

Today I choose to take the risk of stepping just a little outside my comfort zone.  It is important to stay safe, however, I can sometimes over compensate in protecting myself and others.  I forget that I am no longer living in a neighborhood of danger, as I often was as a child.  Now, I have a choice about who I trust and befriend.  I have also developed useful coping strategies I didn't have when I was younger.  I choose to lower the wall of defense and allow deeper connection with those I have come to trust.  I will crack open the door to new connection, knowing I am capable of setting boundaries and safeguarding myself when required.  

It is time to let go and free myself from self-imposed limits that are no longer necessary.  I can care and be cared for, this is my legacy.

Mindful Intention

Some days seem to begin with a ‘bang’, jumping into the midst of activity and busyness.  Other days begin more gently with a slower warm up and smooth rhythm.  Then there are the times the day starts with unexpected demands and shocking announcements, as well as, the times when getting started is difficult and like slogging through peanut butter.  Although I can’t always control the beginning of my day, I can choose to center myself and be mindful of my intention to remain grounded in my integrity and compassion.  

Let this day unfold with whatever it may hold.  I rest in the conviction that it is a gift I have been given.  I have the strength to embrace with acceptance what comes, the courage to create change if necessary and the wisdom to surrender the rest.  

No More

I will not be defined by my past any longer.  I have lived long enough as a victim of a victim of a victim.  My parents’ behaviors, unfortunate circumstances, and hurtful experiences have shaped my sense of self and well-being. It’s time to let go of the distortions I learned that create shame and disconnection. 

I choose today to declare independence from self-sabotaging thinking and ineffective responses.   I will affirm my worth and value frequently throughout this day while applauding the risks I choose to take when I trust and reach out to others.