Happy 43rd birthday to me.
It has been a little while since I have written here in my blog. As a big dreamer I have some big plans and I have been putting my time on a few other projects that I can’t wait to share with you.
As many of you know, I practice meditation almost every day. Meditation to me is not so much about finding the quiet, it is about listening in the quiet and asking for guidance and wisdom and how I can best serve in my life. I ask to use my gifts as a writer and be a voice. I am not ashamed to speak of my beliefs in meditation or prayer. I totally understand that you may think these methods of manifesting something from it is woo-woo. I thought this at one time too. Not anymore. I have received so much doing this practice and I can’t imagine my life without it. I use the time to affirm my actions, my goals, and my priorities as well. I am.
As my birthday approached this year and I anticipated writing this special blog post, I asked for guidance. The words here have been weighing heavily on me as I transition to a new season in my life. As we have left the winter behind, and have slowly danced into this spring there has been so much beauty in the journey from struggle to grace.
As you think, so shall you be. Wayne Dyer said that. To rise is a choice. Rachel Hollis said that. You cannot solve a problem with the same mind that created it. Albert Einstein said that.
This year I am not going to write a letter to that little girl, to that teenager, or the young woman, new mother, newly diagnosed, newly disabled person of my past. No. I do not recognize them any more. When I see you I see all the pieces of me that are who I am today and that’s how they are remembered. In empathy, in compassion, in love when you need a hug, someone to listen to you, to cheer for you, to celebrate…you. In the darkest hours with tears, in fits and with clenched fists I’ve tasted suffering – and from that fire have recovered courage. When faced with an uncertain future I’ve shed the fear. And in all the glorious happy times love has been spread freely, without boundary. That is the common thread of all parts of me from the past.
At 7:07 a.m. 43 years ago a child was born. I “stand” here today with open arms ready to embrace all those who embrace me, to keep living my dreams, to continue learning and nurturing the spirit that was brought to life by never giving up despite life’s circumstances. The grass is greener where you water it. I am grateful for it all.
As I embark on another year I finally feel so free. And, I guess what I am saying is, take care of yourself now. Anything you would want to tell a past self is basically to be mindful and grateful and take good care of all the good things while reaching for the stars. It is no different than right now, in this very moment. You will always look back in hindsight having learned something new in life. That is what life is about. Going through something and extracting the lesson. An ah-ha. Maybe a never again. A humbled reassurance that you can. You survived. You are aware of something new, another piece of you dusted off and uncovered. You can cradle your memories but don’t wallow in what-if’s. Right now is the time to let that go. I told someone recently, awareness is the best tool you have.
Give yourself the grace to take good care of yourself so that you can show up as your very best in your life for yourself and others.
Happy birthday.
xo, JJ