The truth is, we are an ever evolving people. We are always on the path to becoming the best version of ourselves. Don't run from the call. Your assignment is to tend to the places, otherwise ignored or covered up and be curious about what there is to discover.
Change is not linear. It is a fluid process, not a one time event. An opportunity to lean in and relax amongst the chaos....be kind to yourself during the process.
Today we have a new opportunity to reflect on goals, dreams, mistakes made and lessons learned and to reevaluate course and direction. Today in particular I am most aware of the world we live in, the society in which we co-exist with another and the many opportune moments for connection. I am reminded of how precious time is and how every moment counts. With all of the attempts of the world to gather more things, aim higher, strive for greater; my wish on this day is just for enough. I wish enough for myself of the things that really matter ……and I wish you enough.
Lessons come to us in all forms. Over the last couple of months, I’ve noticed my lessons have been coming from all different directions. What I’ve realized is that they have always been there….the “whispers” of life. What happens when we don’t stop and listen to the whisper? Well…the whisper continues and becomes bigger and greater until you do. Life is a classroom and it is up to you to learn the lessons and make necessary changes. Change is unsettling and a little topsy -turvy but what I do know is that change will occur whether you are ready or not. You can ride out the storm or fight against the tide, either way…you will be tossed.
A recent quote I have fallen in love with says “All movement brings risk of injury. Real transformation is not easy or painless.”
So my friends, with that in mind..how will you slow down to listen to the whisper and pay attention to the lessons?
So I am obsessed with "Ted talks" and have included two of my favorites. Content is very different but the common theme is about not allowing shame to silence. One challenges the dogma that influences what society thinks a woman's body and appearance should be and look like, while the other challenges the stigma of mental illness and reluctance in asking for and seeking support. Both topics I am passionate about.
Recently I had a minor foot surgery (on both feet...not a great idea) and had an unexpected visceral reaction to the scars left behind. I can only describe it as a sense of sympathy and remorseful sadness for the thought of what my body had just endured (mind you, the scar was small...). So although my reaction was bigger than the circumstance, it caused me to think about the pain and suffering we put our bodies through for the sake of trying to meet and adhere to societal expectations; to assimilate, if you will. Instead of reverence, we have developed a deep unappreciation for the human body and the natural beauty it envelopes. I was gently reminded of the bodies’ amazing capacity to heal itself, under the right conditions, under the right circumstances. Although this video talks about the body from a size perspective, I think the principle is the same. Find an appreciation for your body and know that human nature has a way of adjusting and correcting flaws in its very own natural way. If the body can heal itself, can we also heal our thinking and boldly challenge stereotypes?
Courageous beauty: Brittany Gibbons at TEDxBGSU ...
The second talk is about a young, talented comedian's once very private battle with depression. He discusses the consequences of keeping this secret and challenges the stigma around sharing such information, in an effort to challenge others in doing the same.
Confessions of a Depressed Comic --click below
"Every moment is a new opportunity"
LaTasha Smith, LCSW
