The Wounded Child Within Us

For most of us, there is a child within us that has a need to feel safe. As we are growing up, we are reassured by others that the world around us won't hurt us and our well being is not threatened. But there are some, where safety is still an issue for them. The need to protect oneself is human nature, but to feel that we always have to be concerned about this is challenging, especially in a relationship. Developing trust is an ongoing struggle, for fear that the other person will eventually hurt us. How can the wounded child be healed if no one can get close enough to touch this child's heart? There are many wounded children in the world who need our patience and nurturing to help them journey on their path. Who amongst us has the strength to take on this task? Today, look within yourself and acknowledge the child. Appreciate the knowledge this child brings to your life and listen to the fears that hinder you from moving forward. Healing the child within is only part of our journey in life.

Letting the child within play is part of the healing process...

(I sometimes have to remember that it's not only about learning to play, but it's about my actions and behaviors. The child within me comes out when I'm irritable and tired. She whines, snaps and often times throws a pretty mean tantrum. It's not often that she appears, but when she does it's a reaction from the past. I'll need to resolve some of the past hurts to begin healing the child that is within me.) 

Knowing Who We Are

As we go through life, there are times when we question who we are. Because we are always evolving, the answer may change depending on the moment. But what remains constant is our foundation. Who we are inside, our inner spirit doesn't falter. We build our life upon what makes us strong. But there are times in life, when others will challenge what we know to be true, so that we begin to question the core of who we are. It's difficult to stand tall when our foundation begins to weaken. It may be human nature to question who we are, but why do we let others convince us that we are not the person we are meant to be. When others begins to chip away at our self confidence, acknowledge and appreciate their efforts. For it's our lesson to learn that no one can take away who we are, but ourselves and knowing ourselves better gives us strength. Today, resolve to stand taller knowing who you are. Know that you are here to make an impact on the universe by being the best person you can be and to help others on their journey. You are not here to lessen anyone's spirit but to add to their light. Say to yourself, "I know who I am".

Can we be as strong as the rocks along the ocean shore...

(Knowing who I am as opposed to believing who I am are two different things. I know in my heart who I am and what I know to be true, but there are times when I find myself doubting what I know. It's funny how just the tiniest comments can make me question everything about myself and what I'm doing. I have to tell myself to find the lesson hidden within my insecurities. It's not a good place to be, but I understand that it will make me stronger in the long run.)

Living A Selfless Life

It is human nature for us to think about ourselves in order to survive in the world, but how far will this take us in building relationships with others. It's a great excuse to say that "I need to think more about myself", but can't we take care of ourselves as well as others or do we need to decide one over the other. Although we are taught to help others, knowing and doing this are two different things. We know what we ought to do, but when life keeps us so busy, it's challenging to remember. When our life becomes only about ourselves, it's difficult to maintain close relationships because there isn't room for anyone but ourselves. In order to live a balanced life, we need to reasses how self involved we are and how are our behaviors and actions are affecting the people we are close to. There are times when we do need to care for ourselves, but caring for ourselves is also about maintaining healthy relationships. Today, think about how many times during the day do you refer to yourself? Now, how many times a day do you think of the well being of others? Is there a balance or are you self absorbed? No one can take anything from you that you are not willing to share. Be open to others and a whole new world with appear.

Although being by yourself may sometimes be easier, it's not always as fun...

(I didn't realize how much I've gotten used to being by myself, until my 2 college kids came home for the summer. There went the self imposed solitude I created. Sometimes I fool myself thinking that peace and quiet is the key to writing, it's not. Chaos is actually the secret to creativity.) 

It's Okay To Change Our Mind

For many of us, the goals we set for ourselves help us to focus on what we want. There is no doubt that if we set our mind on something, we can attain it. But what happens when in midstream, we change our mind about what we want. No one can forsee the future and how our daily experiences directly impacts the choices that we make. We can only set our goals based on the needs we have at that time, but this can change the very next day if we encounter something that redirects our focus. We tend to be hard on ourselves when we don't meet our goals. Society frowns on those who are constantly influx and seemingly not knowing what they are doing. But are these people actually without goals or are they actively listening to their inner spirit guiding them on their journey. It may be one of the most challenging things we do, listening to what brings us joy. It's okay to change our minds because what was good for us yesterday, may not be the best thing to do at this moment. Today, be aware of the choices you make. Are your goals to still applicable to attaining your heart's desire or do you need to make some adjustments? Love and respect yourself enough to be okay with the decisions you make.

Sometimes it's easier to follow then to make our own decisions...

(I think the hardest thing for me is being okay with changing my goals. I tend to be goal oriented, so I want to achieve them before I move on. When you change midstream it's like you never really accomplished anything. But I guess it's not in the achieving, but doing what is right for me. This will be a work in progress. This is in line with dreams, for they often change story lines too.)

  

Living Our Dreams

Most of us have dreams that seem so unattainable that they stay safely hidden in the back of our minds. Every once and awhile, we take them out and think about the "what ifs". What if dreams do come true, what would our life be like? Could the unimaginable happen, where we truly can live our dreams? Although it may seem as if they push what is reality, it may be that we just don't have the courage to believe in the "what ifs'. If we believed that anything happen and it doesn't come to pass, the disappointment may discourage us from dreaming in the future. But if we stopped believing in our dreams, then we may lose hope in pursuing our heart's desire. For isn't our heart's desire a large part of our dreams. There is a reason why we dream, it's the incentive we need to strive for more and to always do better in hopes that all we believe in may come true. Today, what do you dream about? Remember it's not about when dreams come to pass, but that you believe that they will come. Having the ability to dream is a gift that you should cherish and appreciate. For not everyone has the freedom to dream of what may become a reality someday. Keep your dreams safe and alive in your heart for one day, they won't be a dream but your reality.

Having a relaxing place to dream is just the beginning...

(I never really thought about creating a place to dream, until someone created one for me. Sometimes it takes others to teach us something so basic. Living my dreams began with acknowledging that it's okay to want more than what I have and to accept gifts with graciousness. I'm so thankful that B created a beautiful room for me to begin living my dreams. She is truly an angel.)

Focusing On Our Life

Although life is busy, it seems that we still have time to mind other people's business. Not that they ask us for our opinion, but we are so willing to share what we think. We sometimes forget that everyone comes from a different background and past experiences, so we all react differently to situations. So who are we to think that we are correct and others wrong in dealing with their life. Focusing on our own life may get boring, but how else are we going to seek our heart's desire if we get side tracked. Life can be simple if we choose it to be. Today, concentrate on what needs to be done in your own life. With a little housecleaning, you can venture down your path a little easier. By focusing on your life, you can understand others better.

There are times when we really do have to focus on what we are doing...

(Although most of the time I focus on what I'm doing, I sometimes find myself getting caught up in other peoples' life. It's not that their life is any more interesting than mine, but it seems that the drama draws me in. Usually it will take me just a moment to gather myself and continue on my own unique path, but I do get there eventually.) 

Looking Into The Mirror

If we think about people who irritate us or get us upset, we can come up with all kinds of reasons as to why this is so. What is it that bothers us so much about these people, that just hearing their names gets us riled up? It may have been something they did to us or towards others, but whatever was done we've held on to the emotions for awhile now. The irritation has festered, so any interaction with this person is like pouring salt into a gaping wound. If we can step aside from the emotions for a moment and identify what exactly is it about these people that bother us. We may find that it is not the individual person, but a quality or qualities that all of them have in common. And if this is so, then is this a quality that is a weakness within us. Something that we ourselves need to work on, whether to develop it or keep it in check. Whatever the case may be, the people that most bother us are really a mirror of our own insecurities. So the next time someone really gets us upset, dig deeper. The universe leads these people to us so we can understand ourselves a little more and grow from our experience. Today, take a moment to think about the people who you've been unable to let go. Try to identify what it is that irritates you, then bring it back to yourself. What are the weaknesses within yourself? As you learn more about yourself, you can become more compassionate towards others.

Sometimes we need a quiet place to reflect...

(There aren't alot of people who irritate me or if they do it doesn't last very long. I've found that many of the qualities that I don't care for are identified within my culture as negative behaviors. So I'm not sure if I personally find these qualities to be offensive or if I was taught this as a child. Interesting food for thought.)