life drama
Are We There Yet?
Are we there yet? It’s okay to ask. The answer, however, should always be no. If we become preoccupied with destination, we lose sight of the joy and purpose of the journey in the first place. When we honor the journey, we are able to keep on the path of forward motion.
Life itself is the journey. We learn the hard lessons, and finally understand that it’s a never-ending process. Often things occur in the guise of mistakes, failures, misunderstandings, hurts. But in truth, not learning from these events is the only failure. And if you don’t learn it the first time, it is highly likely the lesson will repeat itself, over and over again, until you actually do learn it.
When our behavior and actions change, we convert what we have learned into wisdom. For some people the process is a lifelong quest, while others utilize what they have learned and it moves them along quickly. Some people need to go deeper within themselves to make progress.
It is always good to ask if we are there yet. Especially at the beginning of every journey, or when the learned lessons tell us there is more work to be done – inner work to get to the very core of our being. For some people inner work can be very frightening, as many of us deeply suppress the things that we don’t want to deal with. But to complete the journey we must peel away the layers, like peeling an onion.
Small Gestures Of Kindness In A Time Of Cruelty
People are feeling anxious and uncertain with what has been happening in the world in recent months. Many are fearful and stressed, and unsure how to act appropriately in these strange times. Some act out in destructive or dramatic ways, taking their frustration out on others.
It is common knowledge that the digital age and social media has spawned a generation of computer warriors and online bullies who express their insecurities and fears, in often extremely mean and cruel ways, from the comfort of their living rooms and basements. This savage lack of empathy and decorum has seemingly now spilt over into our streets and neighborhoods too, in the midst of a global pandemic.
It is easier for many to be critical and judgmental, to complain and argue, instead of facing facts, dealing with the truth and seeking lasting solutions. Often not knowing the entire story, many people choose to see only see one side of things, while telling others off for disagreeing with their limited point of view. The computer has unfortunately given some people a platform to spread strife and hatred, instead of love, hope and kindness.
I pray that more people will strive to seek the truth and learn to look for the good and kind in others. Showing tolerance, patience and kindness is always the better, more open approach. And always remember that if someone attacks you directly, then it often means they are somehow struggling or hurting. It usually serves no real purpose to attack them back.
Protect Your Energy From Toxic People
It is vital to protect ourselves energetically from toxic, negative people. It is essential to our health and well-being. To one degree or another we’ve all have experienced negative, toxic people. These people are sometimes easy to detect, but not always.
The most typical scenario I have encountered is the unkind or rude family member, or distant relative. These are also the most difficult to dealt with, because we often time have no choice but to spend time with them at family events and gatherings. Usually we feel we have no choice in the matter, bit this is actually not true. We do have a choice.
We don’t have to attend every family event. If you know the toxic person is going to be there, you simply don’t have to rise to the occasion. Stop feeling guilty for not attending. Of course, there are usually other family members who make you feel like you have to be there. “It just won’t be Christmas without you,” they might say. But what it really comes down to is your personal well-being. Sure, you may only have to absorb their negative energy once or twice a year, but just like once you have heard something disturbing you can’t ‘unhear’ it, once you have had the experience it is now a part of your memories.
I prefer to be proactive when it comes to managing my energy. And we do have the right to decide who we choose to spend time with, or not. I prefer spending time with those relatives and friends who are compassionate and kind, instead of those who lack tact, are rude, cruel and inconsiderate. I prefer to avoid those who think their opinions are fact, and who are constantly dropping poison upon others with their negative comments. Not okay. Not ever.
Time To Follow Your Heart
The Covid-19 pandemic has been causing many of us to face some of our life issues that may not have come up otherwise, had we not been under so much stress, while isolated from external social support.
The times we are going through remind me a lot of what the United States went through after 9/11. People were scared, and our lives changed. Some of us questions our purpose and our future: our lifestyles, our goals, our dreams. Many homes overnight became fortresses of self-isolation. Air travel became an issue. Many things we took for granted changed literally overnight. Sound familiar?
At first it was a matter of fear, anxiety and self-preservation. Then the effect on our emotions, choices and attitudes kicked in. Many people became more humble, patient and kind. We were more unified than ever, similar to our mindset during World War II, when a nation came together with one goal: to protect and defend what they loved.
Back then, people planted gardens, and bought bonds to support the cause. Industry became a place where women could play a more significant role in manufacturing and engineering. All for one thing, and one thing only: to secure our freedom. Covid-19 has brought with it similar challenges and adversity. What remains to be seen is how we will choose to respond and what good might come from it. I believe we will ultimately beat this crisis in the same way we have done in the past, both as individuals and as a nation. We have done it before, and we will do it again.
When Tempers Flare – A Message From My Guides
These are very uncertain times. The planet has been engulfed with worry due to the rampant spread of the novel coronavirus. Some regions of the planet have been harder hit than others, and some areas have been unable to maintain a tight control over the spread of this new disease.
In addition to the illness itself, both financial and food insecurities are now affecting many more households. Businesses are being forced to close. People have lost their employment. Some positions have ceased to exist altogether. Government stimulus and rescue funds have been helpful, but in some cases, have not been received in a timely manner.
The stress on individuals and families trying to keep their heads above water has been monumental.
Meanwhile, the work demands placed on medical professionals, frontline workers and first responders have intensified at a rapid speed. For many their hours of duty have seemed endless and their personal risks and sacrifices are significant. They are being thrown into worst-case scenarios that would not have seemed imaginable only a few short months ago. They have further been hampered by the lack of supplies, and the overwhelming numbers of people infected in a relatively short period. The stress faced by these professionals has been relentless. Continue reading
Love Yourself, And Don’t Stop Believing
Recently, I had time to reflect on different aspects of my own life and where it was, or wasn’t going. I was starting to feel self-pity creeping up on me, and had to act to shift my energy out of that negative space, as it would trickle off into other areas of my life.
I was supposed to attend a celebration with family on a Wednesday, as well as a gathering with another group of relatives on the following Saturday. But I wasn’t prioritizing my own needs and well-being, and the Universe decided to put an end to my plans.
To cut a long story short, on the Wednesday, instead of going to the party, I landed in the local hospital emergency room, as my knee gave out and I could not walk. The Universe was telling me to rest – to sit down and get my priorities back in order.
My priorities have always been my children and grandchildren, and that hasn’t changed. However, my views on the recurring family drama, with regards who can go see who, and when, and where, and how, has significantly changed. I have decided to let go of always trying to keep the peace, and please everyone. I no longer wish to expose myself to the unnecessary stress and commotion of it all.
I let it go by simply asking my angels to deal on my behalf with all the stuff that I could no longer hold inside and carry, and take it off my shoulders. And yes, it took me a couple days to realize what was needed, but as soon as I did this, the need for walking with a cane started to disappear and the pain and swelling in my knee has been minimal the last couple of days.
The Pretense Of Hyper-Sensitivity
Once we realize we have been misunderstood in one of our casual remarks, we typically try to immediately turn it around,. We try to add a more agreeable flavor, in the hopes that the offended or confused person will take it as a well-intended supported compliment. It’s usually rather ridiculous, really, but nonetheless in these situations we continue to ‘make certain’ we are not seen in a controversial manner, or in a ‘bad light.’
When such an ambiguous occasion arises, we are perfectly aware of what we are doing and how we are doing it. But, does that make one bit of difference to us? No. If we were not nearly so phony and apologetic in our deference, we may even get a lucid glimpse of what we were really saying, along with the motivation behind our attempts to butter up the other.
What exactly is it that we are hoping to accomplish? Why is it important to remain on a level of satisfactory exchange with the other, in fear of upsetting them? Do not these innuendos ring a melody of falsity? Does not the planted, erect knife in the butter fall once the butter melts?
In other words, what is hidden in the relationships we feel so insecure about, and in need of continuing such a façade of nicety?
We work so hard to maintain the supposed idea of decency we have long since cherished, nurtured and polished in our own minds. We do nothing to upset the apple cart. And, when an unsuspecting, misunderstood statement is made, maybe even in jest, we immediately try to reabsorb the awkwardness left behind. We feel we must absolve ourselves in the light of the other, and will actually go out on a thin brittle limb of more flattery, in hopes it won’t snap to reveal our embarrassment.