My Dearest Shiny Star!
This year has been very much about authenticity for me and getting real with myself - even about those things I'd rather weren't true. And especially, I suppose, about those things I wish weren't true.
Perhaps you know what I mean - the shameful parts, the angry parts, the sad and grieving parts, and all the stories they tell. I've begun, affectionately, calling them the "naughty bits." Not because I believe they're naughty mind you (at least not anymore) – rather because somewhere along the way these parts of my mind came to believe and tell a story of there being something wrong with them, with me.
Last year my Thanksgiving newsletter started with “gratitude shmatitude.” I spoke of my my heart's personal permafrost and wanting greater access to these parts of myself. I have taken note, that just as how uncomfortable the things can be which get released as the Earth's permafrost thaws, so can my own process be uncomfortable as my heart thaws and things come up and loosen their hold on me. This serves as a reminder for me that I am part of something much larger and I feel less alone.
Much of my last year has been spent being with, comforting, coming to love, and yes, now being thankful for these “naughty bits.” I've come to see them as beacons guiding my way back to unconditional love. Befriending these parts of myself has given me far greater access to this tale which I've co-created and chosen to walk in this lifetime. As a result my life feels richer, more meaningful, and contains significantly more depth and purpose. Who'd have thought, being a bit naughty could feel so good, right?
This time of year can be challenging. For those of us who've lost and are missing loved ones, we struggle with pain and longing. For those of us dedicated to our healing journey, we may be stepping out into the world as newer versions of ourselves. As we mingle with those we hold dear (and perhaps those not so dear) and encounter the situations which have pushed our buttons in the past, it's easy to find ourselves drawn into old patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. At the same time, we can feel resistance to conforming to what we still believe and feel is expected of us.
A few things that help me navigate these situations are:
Letting go of preconceived notions.
Making room in my heart and mind for more loving outcomes.
Inviting Love and Grace into my awareness,
Staying and being with myself in this present moment,
Remembering that I am not alone and calling on Divine guidance to help me.
Wherever you find yourself today, SHINY STAR, I wish you abundance, joy, comfort if you need it, peace, and Grace. Oh! And! Let's not forget to be a little naughty, right?
With SO MUCH LOVE and GRATITUDE,
Vicki
