This is an inspirational note that a friend of mine posted to her Facebook Wall. I found it so true in my own life right now. We have to stop fighting and just let go. Start truly loving others and ourselves. This is not a "Christian" devotional, but has such words of wisdom for all of us......
I am at a time in my life/journey that I can say I finally get it... When in the midst of all my fears and insanity I stopped dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out - ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on.There are times when I compare myself to a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, wait I still have those today so I guess I am still a child :-) my sobs then begin to subside, I blink back tears and through a mantle of wet lashes you begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is my awakening. I am learning the importance of loving and championing myself and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval. I stop bitching and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and I have learned that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. I am learning that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that it's not always about you. So, I am learning to stand on my own and to take care of ME and in the process a sense of safety & security is born of self-reliance.For me today it is all about opening up to new worlds and different points of view. Learning the difference between wanting and needing is something that I am really looking closely at. I will be the first to admit that I don't know everything, it's not my job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing. Distinguishing between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO are actions that are right in front of my face today. I am also learning about about love. Romantic love and family love, how to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when to walk away. You learn not to project your needs or your feelings into a relationship.The one important thing that I am finally understanding is to look at relationships as they really are and not as I would have them be. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn that just as people grow and change so it is with love.... and you learn that you don't have the right to demand love on your terms... just to make you happy. And, you learn that alone does not mean lonely...You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect and you won't settle for less. And, you allow only the hands of a lover who cherishes you to glorify you with his touch... and in the process you internalize the meaning of self-respect.And you learn that your body really is your temple. And you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and taking more time to exercise. You learn that fatigue diminishes the spirit and can create doubt and fear. So you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.And you learn to deal with evil in its most primal state - the ego. I am learning that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you. Admitting when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls. You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.Slowly, I will begin to take responsibility for myselff by myself and make myself a promise to never betray myself and to never ever to settle for less than my heart desires. When I hang a wind chime outside my window, I listen to the wind. And I make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.Finally, with courage in your heart and with God by your side you take a stand, you take a deep breath and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can.
