REMEMBERING

I am blessed to have good friends who support and encourage me.  When I become despondent and feel depressed, I will remember the many moments of connection and compassion that strengthen and reassure me.  Today I will spend time remembering I am not walking alone on this journey.  I will recall shared memories of joy, doubt, and even sadness, but not isolation.  I will bring to mind the voice of love that whispers in my soul and allow it to comfort me.  I will move into this day with a grounded sense of purpose, resilience and sacred boldness.

 

EASY DOES IT

Where is the middle way?  Moderation is very difficult to find at times.  It’s so easy to fall into all or nothing thinking and living.  Today I will notice my language.  How often do I use the words: always, never, everyone, no one, totally, all the time …?   I will be mindful of my judgments: do I listen or make assumptions?  I will pay attention to my behavior: Am I acting impulsively? Overworking? Overeating? Overreacting? Overprotecting?

I choose to search for balance today and to practice self-control.  I will breathe and ground myself knowing that in this moment I can surrender my need to live in the extremes and be present with an open mind and open heart.

FEARLESS CONFIDENCE

Today I will step forward with fearless confidence, assured that the strength, wisdom, and resources I need for this day are available.  I will trust that others will show up for me in the ways I need their support, just as I will be present for others.  I will rest in my belief that my higher power sustains me and is faithfully providing me with all I need.  When doubt in myself, others, or my higher power creeps into the recesses of my mind, I will reaffirm my convictions quietly and persistently.  I have all I need for these 24 hours.  I am enough. 

VALUING RESILIENCE

Resilience is born from the fires of hardship and pain.  Along the walk through the ‘valley of death’, somewhere, the strength of resilience was experienced and claimed.  It became part of the arsenal of survival skills that developed along the journey.  I forget, at times, all I have within to withstand adversity.  I want to remember, especially during fearful moments, the ability I have developed to endure.  Resilience to stand strong in my knowledge of what I know to be true, willingness to breathe deeply and take another step when times are hard, strength to experience my feelings and recognize what I need, trust in myself to risk vulnerability and trust one more time; these are qualities I admire both in myself and those who are my heroes. 

Today I will appreciate my resilience and recognize the value of this prize.

 

HAPPINESS

I deserve to be happy.  It is easy to discount or minimize this belief when I look around and see so many who are suffering and hurting.  How can I feel so good when others are in a depressed and gloomy place? Is it compassionate and caring to feel content and at peace when others suffer?  Then, I remind myself of the times when I am sad and remember how encouraged I feel to know that happiness is possible.  I reflect on the times others have reached out to share comfort and encouragement.  Although I may feel jealous or envious of the joy I see in them, I also recognize that feelings are temporary and soon I will feel differently.  On the other side of sadness is joy.  It doesn't have to be all one or all the other. 

Happiness is an inside job after all and not dependent on external events (although it is wonderful when the outside cooperates).  Feeling happy within myself, at peace with the various fragments of me, reaching out to share hope with others, and being open to life creates joy. I will allow myself to breathe in the peace I feel inside and smile.  I will share that smile with those I encounter knowing in this moment I deserve to be happy and so do those I meet today. 

 

TO CHANGE OR NOT TO CHANGE

The right to decide when and how I want to change is up to me and no one else.  It is tempting at times to modify my thoughts and actions to please others, especially when I am I convinced I won’t be loved if I don’t change.  It’s a powerful motivator to believe my worth and value is dependent on others’ acceptance.  There have been times when I have even acted contrary to my integrity and values because I thought it would bring acknowledgement and prove that I am ‘okay’.   The problem is this only increased shame and decreased my sense of self-acceptance.  No more.

I now know that I don’t have to prove my worth and value.  It is simply inherently present, just as yours is.   I will acknowledge and accept all of my thoughts, feelings, and needs.  If I determine a thought or belief is not working for me, I can choose to change it when I am ready to do so.  If a behavior no longer serves me, I can opt to respond in a different way when I want to do so.  I will remind myself today that only I choose when and how I want to change.  I am okay just the way I am. 

 

NAVIGATING FEAR

Surrendering control is very hard to do when the fear of being overwhelmed by chaos and pandemonium is circling around in your heart.  Although the waters of self-doubt and turmoil may be rising within, it is important to remember I know how to swim these waters.  I have done so many times and I will not drown.   I will look for and recognize the life rafts that show up in this day; the smile, kind words, and, loving embrace of friends.  I will remember I am connected to a network of support and compassion.  I do not journey alone.  It is safe to breathe, remain present and open my heart to this moment.  I can release my tight grasp of control, roll over and float on my back through these turbulent waters trusting in myself and my higher power to bring me to higher ground.  I let go of the need to manipulate and restrict.  This day holds out limitless resource, safety and peace.