Courageous Choices
Do not trouble yourself during moments of self-evaluation and introspection; instead, rest in the sweet slumber of peace and solitude, for you are whole, and you are complete.
Do not feel trapped or afraid during moments of pain, fear, and confusion, but know that you are adequate and deserving of love. You are only human, and by your very nature, you will experience a myriad of emotions, all of which serve to protect you.
Guilt and shame do not serve you, do not heal you, and do not allow you to grow and move forward. Instead, they remain perpetrators behind the mask of self-sabotage and victimization. If you allow self-doubt and self-blame to embed themselves deep inside your heart and mind, they will eventually bleed you dry. Instead, allow them to lead you towards self-acceptance, self-love, and self-compassion. Be the student who learns from them and moves on. Take the lesson, and let them go.
Know that the shadows lurking can be extinguished by the internal light that burns infinitely inside your heart, like the bright, white light that illuminates a billowing cloud on a summer’s day. With patient practice, you can learn to silence your mind and listen ever more closely to your heart’s voice instead. You can indulge in simple, quiet moments where you can be alone with yourself and just breathe without expectation or judgment. Create the space to nurture yourself instead of consistently punishing yourself over what might have been, or what you believe you could be.
Opening and expanding that space to make room for honoring courageous choices that lead to the life you always yearned for. For the loudest voice you hear right now shouting that you're not enough is regrettably your own. When we relinquish self-criticism, doubt, shame, guilt, and perfectionism, the heavy weight holding us down begins to lift, like the soft mist that drifts to the mountain peak after a summer rain. Freeing ourselves from the inner critic allows us to tap into the deep well of strength and love that resides within us.
You are so capable; this precious life that belongs only to you is so deserving. When thoughts of insecurity and self-doubt are festering and gnawing away at your very core, you can choose to replace them with thoughts of inspiration, gratitude, and self-love. Make the unwavering choice to cultivate self-acceptance and self-respect.
Let the dreams that you dare to chase in life be the dreams of your curious imagination. The dreams of others belong to them. It is in comparing ourselves that we begin to splinter the sensitive soul. It is only through wholeness that we can reach the sanctuary of inner peace and contentment. As we wonder at the accomplishments of others, we can become blinded to the everyday miracles blossoming all around us.
Our busy minds take over and plant a garden of negative thoughts. These weeds multiply and choke the beautiful flowerbed we yearn to reap and enjoy. Time suddenly rushes by, like white water rapids rushing down a riverbed. We begin to lose sight of the precious moments with which life has blessed us.
When we are caught in the web of uncertainty and insecurity, we can begin stacking unrealistic expectations on ourselves. Our minds begin the race to a finish line that doesn’t exist. Fear and anxiety are often driving this process, which can quickly lead to sadness and discouragement. The dust cloud can then become so dense that it becomes a barrier to our past sacrifices and accomplishments. We begin to close ourselves off from the gratitude and pride of previous achievements.
Instead, I offer you an alternative, a different perspective. In your mind’s eye, can you take yourself back to a moment of pure joy and blissful peace? A moment in time when you were blissfully aware of the immeasurable gratitude your heart felt for the choices and accomplishments you were manifesting in your life. You might even feel these powerful emotions vibrating from within. That is your life’s energy and your heart sharing its happiness. Let me reassure you that your heart’s needs were being fulfilled then, and are still being fulfilled now. Give yourself permission to truly lean into this self-realization. Allow your energy to flow where your thoughts go, so positive thoughts can flourish, blossom, and grow into breathtaking gardens.
Breathing deeply, close your eyes now and place your hand on your heart; whisper, “I am enough. I am whole. I am proud of all my efforts. And, I love myself unconditionally.” Unconditionally.
Have you ever truly reflected on the meaning of that word? Unconditionally: without conditions or limits. That means loving yourself, flaws, mistakes, poor choices, and all. Take a moment to reflect on what it really means to love oneself unconditionally (no matter what). Really show up for yourself and find some mercy for yourself. We all get lost on the treadmill of dreams and ambitions from time to time. We all fall victim to guilt and self-ridicule. You are no different. Allow yourself to feel gratitude for the life that you have, which should not be missed. Allow this time to be enlightening and medicinal for you, opening your heart and mind to healing open wounds. Remember that the raging rapids eventually meet the calming pools, which reflect the sunlight's warm embrace; there, the condors glide gracefully above the tree line, reaching greater heights of peace and freedom.
Now allow yourself that same freedom, abandonment, and unending abundance you deserve. So, how does it feel to love yourself unconditionally? It feels f-ing GREAT! Doesn’t it?
