I think that many of us can agree….it’s been a year….a year of ups and downs…a year of change…a year of rebirth….especially for those of us that have chosen a spiritual path. I think to say that it has been a year filled with lessons, aha’s, and growth would probably minimize what most of us have felt.
One of the things I have had to learn how to do is to be quiet. Hard for this grand fire trine woman, but, one of the things that I have figured out is that the answers lie in the quiet. I’ve been such a “doer” all my life, that being forced to be quiet (if you don’t do what GUS – God, Universe, Spirit – is asking – “he” will find a way to MAKE you do it!), has been one of the most challenging lessons of all for me.
I’ve been forced to take a lot of “down” time, but, it hasn’t been unproductive at all. Even with the move, I’ve chosen to “do” things I wouldn’t normally do. One of the most rewarding experiences for me has been taking time to read a plethora of journals and sketch books that I have kept since consciously committing to the life of a lightworker.
It’s been a year of muddling through the muck….feeling like a failure….and wondering why.
But, so many things came together for me while reading my Pollyanna musings the past few days.
Depression, apathy, and everything that goes with it, have been my closest friends the past 6 (or more) months.
Pollyanna had gone missing.
Reading my journals brought me right back to square one. The reason why I am here.
Frequently in my writings, I stated that I am not everyone’s cup of tea…that I am different…sometimes feeling alone….sometimes lonely….but, I wouldn’t trade this path for anything.
I’ve always been a #toomuchwoman for most people.
A catalyst.
One that makes statements that people frequently look at me with the WTF stare!
I lost that this year. I shrank. I became less than. I thought I needed to be the person that others expected me to be.
AND, I got sick because my mind, body and spirit were not in alignment.
However, in the spirit of total transparency, (which is one of the reasons I am here), it’s been a good thing for me to be aware of.
One of my HUGE issues is people pleasing. Worrying about what they think of me. Wondering if they think I’m crazy.
This is the year I am giving that up.
I’ve realized that who I am, is one who helps others not feel alone by writing my stories. Sharing my lessons. My aha’s. My growth, and my setbacks. The number of people that write me and tell me their stories is mind-blowing sometimes, and I would not have it any other way. I always try to hold sacred space for those who are hurting, and willing to move forward, but, I don’t hold space for those who insist on staying in their victim mentality.
My circle of friends is much smaller. Quality over quantity.
I’ve had many mentors over the years and the ones I respect and honor the most, are the ones who aren’t afraid to also share their process. The ones who will say, “Yeah, life sucks sometimes…..but that is where the growth occurs….”. I know when someone is honest, and when someone is blowing smoke up my ass. Most of the time, I honor my intuition, and when I don’t, I’m grateful for the lesson. (Most of the time!!!)
One of the biggest things I’ve become acutely aware of is how tightly we are interwoven. Personally, I gain strength from those who have had their feet held to the fire, and walk through it. For those of you, I am grateful. And, conversely, I am also grateful to those who choose not to also, because, I know that there is no shame in playing it safe – it’s just not for me.
This post is to say THANK YOU for each and every one of you who have impacted my life in one way or another. I would not be the person I am today, had it not been for you.
May We Walk Together As One.
Much Love,
Paula
