“The pain of yesterday is the strength of today.” – Paulo Coelho
I was hesitant to send this one live, but I believe that authenticity and vulnerability empower all beings to live a more fulfilling, honest and genuine existence. The last few weeks have been particularly challenging for me. Between ending a relationship and moving to a new City, there are a lot of unknowns that quite frankly scare the hell out of me. Change can be difficult, but it is absolutely necessary for us to heal, grow and transform.
One of the things we learn early in life is that no matter how fortunate we are, it is inevitable that we will face suffering. On this journey there will be setbacks, losses, heartbreak and uncertainty. And when these difficulties arise, it is often our instinct to duck, dodge, avoid, evade, run and hide. “If I drink this entire bottle of wine, it will surely make me feel better,” sound familiar? However, when we try to escape suffering, we only prolong and intensify it. Instead, we must learn to be gentle with our pain, practice self-love and work through whatever is causing us difficulty. Peace is something that starts and ends with ME. No amount of Netflix, Wine, or Weed will change that. I’ve learned that connecting with friends and family, exercising, journaling, meditating, limiting my time on social media and getting outside in nature are all vital steps to the healing process. When we can face discomfort and move through it, we are able to alchemize our pain into growth and transformation.
The quicker we can learn to view suffering as a wise teacher instead of a wicked tyrant, the quicker we heal and find peace. Though it can be insanely difficult to recognize amid the discomfort, there is value in sitting with uncomfortable emotions. When we can touch suffering without being broken by it, we hurt much less. So whatever life places in your path, remember that our difficulties are an inextricable part of this Journey. In order to heal it, you must feel it. And know that if you face your challenges with courage and move through them with compassion and care, the difficulties you face can offer growth and wisdom. If there is one thing I have learned throughout this entire experience, it’s that LIFE.GOES.ON. No matter how much sleep you didn’t get the night before, how painful that pain in your chest and solar plexus might be, or how depressed you might feel, the sun will surely rise tomorrow. It is up to you and I to decide what we do with each new day. No matter how many times you get knocked down, get up, tie your shoe laces, and keep moving forward.
And remember, beyond the hurt of this moment, beyond the darkness, there is a bright light that shines within each and every one of us. Be kind to yourself, let your light shine bright, and step into your inherent greatness.
Peace be thy Journey!
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